SOURCE: AFI
In a significant move to bolster military preparedness along the volatile border with China, the Environment Ministry of India has recently approved the establishment of multiple Formation Ammunition Storage Facilities (FASF) in Eastern Ladakh. This decision aims to enhance operational readiness and significantly reduce the time required for ammunition withdrawal, thereby strengthening the strategic position in the region.
Eastern Ladakh has been a focal point of military tension since the standoff in 2020, where both India and China have increased their military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The region’s harsh terrain and high-altitude conditions make logistics and ammunition management particularly challenging. The new FASFs are set to address these issues by providing storage closer to potential conflict zones.
The approved proposals include the construction of several FASFs at strategic locations near Hanle and Photi La, areas known for their proximity to the Sino-China border. These facilities are designed to offer a robust storage solution for a wide array of ammunition, thereby ensuring that Indian forces can sustain operations without the long supply lines that currently exist.
A notable feature of this approval is the permission for the creation of underground caverns. These caverns are not just for ammunition but will also store other strategic equipment, offering an additional layer of security against potential aerial threats. The idea behind underground storage is to camouflage the facilities, making them less susceptible to enemy reconnaissance and strikes, thus providing a safer and more concealed option in this sensitive border area.
Alongside the underground caverns, the ministry has also greenlit the construction of more permanent built-up facilities. These are aimed at housing not only ammunition but also troops, with structures like barracks and operational headquarters. This move indicates a shift towards establishing a more permanent military presence, which could be crucial in maintaining a state of readiness throughout the year, especially during harsh winter conditions when mobility is severely restricted.