LoC fortified: T-72s to anchor India's future border defence

India moved its T-72 main battle tanks right up to the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir’s Akhnoor sector as part of Operation Sindoor. This was a direct response to unprovoked Pakistani aggression and attempts to support terrorist infiltration into Indian territory. The tanks—fitted with 125mm guns and missiles capable of hitting targets 4,000 metres away—formed the core of a joint deployment of air defence, artillery, and infantry, as reported by TOI.

“T-72s are integral. Fitted with 125mm guns and missile capability up to 4,000m, they were moved in as part of joint force deployment,” a senior Army officer told TOI on Tuesday.

Ground armour and infiltration control
The T-72s, alongside BMP-2 armoured vehicles, remain stationed along key points of the LoC. Their mission: seal off infiltration routes and maintain constant operational readiness. These armoured units were critical in neutralising Pakistani posts that served as platforms for cross-border terror movements.

An Army officer involved in the operation told NDTV, “We also hit enemy posts which were facilitating infiltration. We know which posts are used as bases for infiltration by the enemy. An informed call was taken – and the targets were hit.”

Precision fire and unmanned threats
Indian air defence units intercepted multiple drone swarm threats during the operation. “As the enemy unleashed a new threat of drone swarms, it was the Indian Army’s air defence that truly emerged as the shining shield — demonstrating exceptional skill, resilience, and cutting-edge coordination to intercept every aerial menace,” said Brigadier Mudit Mahajan, Commander of the Poonch Brigade, in a TOI report.

Artillery coordination and air support enabled strikes on nine high-value terror targets across Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), six of which were successfully neutralised. These were situated opposite the Poonch, Rajouri, and Akhnoor sectors.

Heavy casualties and strategic pause
In retaliatory action across north Kashmir, including Kupwara and Tangdhar, Indian forces destroyed nine more terror hideouts. These were in difficult terrain, yet Indian troops sustained zero casualties. In contrast, the Pakistani military reportedly suffered 65 fatalities. “So far, we have inputs of imposing heavy numbers in fatal and non-fatal casualties upon the enemy,” Brigadier Mahajan stated.

Indian forces have been on constant alert. “Operation Sindoor is not over but only remains suspended for the time being,” he added. “The Indian Army remains alert and ready, and if challenged again, we will respond yet again not with words but fire and resolve of the nation.”

Pakistan’s artillery failings exposed
In the Mendhar sector, Indian teams discovered a 155mm Pakistani shell that failed to detonate. Shockingly, it was fitted with a plug instead of a fuse. “This is the most basic error,” said Lieutenant Colonel Suneel Bartwal, defence spokesperson in Jammu. “Fitting a fuse is basic training for gunners worldwide. This highlights shallow training standards and Pakistan’s hollow claims on global platforms.”

Bomb disposal teams are still combing areas in Poonch, Krishna Ghati, and Mendhar, following strict safety protocols to remove unexploded shells without risking civilian lives.

Air strikes and shifting gears
As the operation intensified, the Indian Air Force launched strikes on key Pakistani airbases, crippling infrastructure at Chaklala, Rafiqui, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad. “Aggression was met with calibrated and coordinated force,” said Air Marshal A.K. Bharti.

Brigadier Mahajan revealed that Indian forces had originally planned a limited strike. “The Army struck with unmatched precision and purpose – six of nine critical terrorist targets struck were opposite Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor and these were neutralised effectively that night.” Only after Pakistan escalated by targeting civilian areas did Indian forces shift to hitting military installations.

Russian T-72s: The power behind the tank
India’s T-72s are Soviet-designed tanks first inducted into service in the early 1980s. With a combat range of 500km, a top speed of 60 kmph, and explosive reactive armour, they are built for high-intensity engagements. The Indian Army operates about 2,500 of these, built domestically at Avadi’s Heavy Vehicles Factory.

A new $248 million deal with Russia’s Rosoboronexport will replace existing engines with 1,000 HP upgrades, enhancing battlefield mobility. The agreement also includes technology transfer to India’s Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited, part of the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

India has already announced a plan to build nearly 600 indigenous tanks to replace ageing T-72 units. This move is in response to Russia’s limited supply capacity due to its war in Ukraine. As India diversifies its defence partnerships, its focus remains on modernisation without compromising strategic autonomy.

Although military operations have been paused since 10 May, Indian troops maintain 24x7 surveillance. “We did not wait to react; we prepared to respond,” said Brigadier Mahajan. He stressed that the Poonch Brigade “was not a part but the heart of Operation Sindoor.”

While the ceasefire holds for now, India’s position is clear. As the Defence Ministry warned, any future terror attack will be considered “an act of war”.

(With inputs from TOI)