Nilgiri
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On March 17, 2010 the PLA for the first time in its history deployed MBTs in the Tibet Military District, or TMD, these being ZTZ-96G MBTs, accompanied by Type 86G ICVs, which are with the 12th Armoured Division of the 21st Group Army (GA) under the Lanzhou MR. Overall, it is estimated that the PLA can mobilise (within three weeks), deploy and sustain up to three Division-sized formations for conducting a single-theatre campaign in Aksai Chin.
In my opinion the Indian MBT in region donot have back up armoured forces like PLA has which makes IA commander having to choose how to deploy them. Plus PLA has accompanying artillery and AAA mechanised forces.
My concern was about these IA T-72 reaching Leh or taking part in offensives against PA but looks like PLA has enough forces to keep these MBT in ladakh.
Thanks for your insightful post and the ORBAT.
I think this is part of an overall process to ramp up the presence in ladakh area with armour....more as a deterrence with availability to counter offensives by the opponent's forces.....rather than be purely an "offensive" thrust regiment.
Over the next 5 - 10 years we may see more backup and support in the area as India improves its logistics, border infra, mountain supply depots etc... Right now its just bravado for public consumption in saying this is an offensive grouping when I believe its main purpose is defense/deterrence + buying time for operations in other fronts should one be commited here by the opponent.