ITBP Strengthens China Border Readiness with Drone Platoons, Specialised Strike Training and Underground Bunkers

The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) is undertaking a major modernisation programme to strengthen India’s security preparedness along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The force has established dedicated drone platoons in its border-guarding battalions, developed a specialised combat training programme and initiated the construction of underground shelters at forward locations.

ITBP Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor outlined these developments while addressing personnel during an investiture ceremony at the force’s Central Training College in Alwar, Rajasthan, on 22 October 2026. The event preceded the ITBP’s 65th Raising Day on 24 October.

The modernisation initiatives reflect the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems, specialised combat capabilities and protected infrastructure in securing India’s high-altitude borders. The force is also introducing new commando formations, improving troop accommodation and strengthening logistical support in some of the country’s most challenging operational environments.

ITBP Establishes Dedicated Drone Platoons in Border-Guarding Battalions

The ITBP has established dedicated drone platoons in all its border-guarding battalions as part of its efforts to incorporate emerging technologies into frontier security operations. Director General Kapoor confirmed that the force is training drone pilots while also developing its own unmanned aerial systems.

The introduction of dedicated drone units represents an important organisational change for a force responsible for guarding approximately 3,488 kilometres of India’s border with China. Much of this frontier passes through difficult Himalayan terrain, where extreme weather, limited road connectivity and geographical obstacles complicate conventional surveillance.

Unmanned aerial vehicles can assist border personnel in monitoring difficult terrain, observing remote approaches and gathering information about developments near forward locations. Their ability to operate beyond the immediate observation range of ground patrols makes them particularly useful in mountainous regions.

By establishing dedicated platoons within border-guarding battalions, the ITBP is integrating drone capabilities into its regular operational structure rather than relying exclusively on specialised formations. This arrangement can improve the availability of aerial surveillance resources and strengthen the technological capabilities of units deployed along the frontier.

The Director General also highlighted the force’s efforts to develop drones internally. Such initiatives can contribute to greater technical familiarity among personnel and support the adaptation of unmanned systems to the demanding conditions of high-altitude operations.

₹400 Crore Modernisation Funding Prioritises Drone Warfare

According to Director General Kapoor, the ITBP has received ₹400 crore in government funding for modernisation, with approximately 70% allocated towards strengthening drone warfare capabilities.

This represents an allocation of around ₹280 crore for drone-related requirements within the reported funding package. The emphasis reflects the growing importance of unmanned aerial systems in modern military and border-security operations.

The Director General referred to developments in recent international conflicts to explain how drones have changed the balance between conventional military capabilities and emerging technologies. He stressed that security forces must adapt to these changes rather than depend entirely on traditional methods of warfare.

Modern drone capabilities encompass several operational requirements, including aerial reconnaissance, monitoring, communications support and protection against hostile unmanned systems. For a high-altitude border-guarding force, the ability to operate such systems under difficult environmental conditions is particularly important.

The ITBP’s modernisation programme seeks to strengthen these capabilities while developing the personnel and technical infrastructure necessary for sustained drone operations.

Home Ministry Gives In-Principle Approval to Larger Modernisation Programme

The ITBP Director General also announced that the Ministry of Home Affairs had granted in-principle approval to a larger modernisation programme valued at approximately ₹4,000 crore.

According to Kapoor, the force intends to earmark ₹1,000 crore from this proposed programme for drone and anti-drone systems. The allocation would support the development of capabilities needed to operate unmanned platforms and counter hostile aerial threats.

The proposed investment reflects the increasing importance of counter-drone technologies in modern security planning. Small unmanned aircraft can create challenges for conventional defensive arrangements because of their mobility, comparatively low cost and ability to approach sensitive locations.

Counter-drone capabilities may involve detection, tracking, identification and appropriate defensive responses against unauthorised unmanned aircraft. Their effective deployment requires trained personnel, reliable equipment and coordination with existing security arrangements.

The Director General’s announcement distinguishes the ₹400 crore modernisation funding already received from the larger programme that has secured in-principle approval. The latter represents a proposed expansion of capabilities rather than confirmation that the entire amount has already been released or spent.

New STRIKE Training Course Prepares Personnel for Close-Combat Situations

The ITBP has developed a specialised training programme known as STRIKE to strengthen personnel preparedness for confrontations resembling the June 2020 Galwan Valley clash.

Director General Kapoor stated that the programme would enhance the force’s ability to respond to demanding close-combat situations along the border. He announced a target of providing STRIKE training to the entire force by the end of 2027.

The Galwan Valley confrontation demonstrated the importance of physical preparedness, unit cohesion and effective responses during close-range encounters in difficult mountainous terrain. Twenty Indian Army personnel lost their lives during the violent confrontation with Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.

The new training programme is intended to strengthen the ITBP’s capabilities in dealing with such operational challenges. Its introduction reflects the need to maintain specialised skills even as border-security forces expand their use of modern surveillance and communication technologies.

The combination of advanced equipment and specialised physical training is particularly relevant in the Himalayan environment, where geography and operational circumstances can restrict the immediate availability of conventional military resources.

The announced training target indicates the ITBP’s intention to establish a common level of preparedness across its personnel. The programme’s completion remains a future objective, with the Director General identifying the end of 2027 as the intended deadline.

Shaurya Commando Units Strengthen Specialised Border Response

Alongside the STRIKE training programme, the ITBP has raised a specialised combat formation known as the Shaurya commandos.

Director General Kapoor announced that these personnel would strengthen the force’s ability to respond to demanding situations along the India–China frontier. He also indicated that the organisation intends to establish such commando capabilities within every border-guarding battalion.

The formation of specialised combat teams reflects the ITBP’s efforts to improve tactical preparedness in difficult mountainous environments. Border-security operations in the Himalayas require personnel to function effectively at high altitudes, negotiate challenging terrain and respond to unexpected developments under severe weather conditions.

Specialised formations can provide additional operational flexibility by concentrating advanced physical training, tactical skills and experience within dedicated teams. Their effectiveness also depends on coordination with regular border-guarding units and other security organisations operating in the region.

The Shaurya initiative complements the ITBP’s broader modernisation programme by strengthening its personnel-based combat capabilities alongside investments in unmanned systems and technological infrastructure.

The Director General also referred to the role of these commandos in responding to recent border situations. His remarks highlighted the operational importance the force attaches to specialised formations, although detailed information about individual deployments and engagements was not provided.

ITBP Begins Constructing Underground Shelters Along the LAC

The ITBP is developing underground shelters and protective infrastructure at forward border locations to improve personnel safety during potential armed conflicts.

Director General Kapoor stated that lessons from contemporary warfare had demonstrated the vulnerability of above-ground structures to modern weapons. He emphasised the need to develop protected accommodation that can reduce these risks while supporting sustained operations in sensitive border areas.

The force has initiated a pilot project involving underground infrastructure at border outposts. The programme is intended to examine the suitability of such facilities before expanding their construction more widely.

Underground shelters can provide additional physical protection for personnel and important operational resources. In high-altitude regions, however, their development must also account for geological conditions, drainage, ventilation, temperature control and logistical accessibility.

The Director General indicated that future underground facilities should provide living conditions comparable to those available in conventional buildings. This approach recognises that protective infrastructure must support both operational requirements and the welfare of personnel stationed in remote locations.

The project remains under development. Its reported pilot phase represents the beginning of a wider infrastructure initiative rather than the completion of an extensive underground bunker network.

High-Altitude Barracks Receive Improved Insulation and Power Supply

The ITBP’s modernisation programme also includes improvements to accommodation and essential services for personnel stationed in extreme climatic conditions.

According to Director General Kapoor, the force has completed insulation work in 342 of the 383 barracks located in areas experiencing sub-zero temperatures. The improvements aim to make accommodation more suitable for personnel serving in remote Himalayan locations.

Extreme cold creates significant challenges for security personnel deployed at high altitudes. Maintaining adequate indoor temperatures is important for physical well-being, equipment management and the ability to sustain regular operational duties.

The ITBP has also procured 141 generator sets to improve electricity availability at remote posts. Reliable power supplies are necessary for lighting, heating, communication equipment and other essential activities at isolated frontier locations.

Solar water heaters have additionally been installed at several facilities to improve living conditions. Their use can reduce dependence on conventional heating arrangements where adequate solar energy is available.

These measures form part of the force’s wider effort to strengthen its logistical and administrative infrastructure alongside improvements in surveillance and combat preparedness.

Cold-Start Kits Improve Vehicle Reliability in Freezing Conditions

The ITBP has introduced specialised cold-start kits to improve the reliability of vehicles operating in extreme winter conditions.

According to the Director General, these kits help vehicles start more quickly in freezing weather, addressing a practical problem frequently encountered at high-altitude posts.

Very low temperatures can affect vehicle batteries, engine lubrication and fuel systems, making conventional starting procedures more difficult. Such problems can interfere with transportation, supply operations and the movement of personnel in remote areas.

Improving vehicle reliability is therefore an important component of operational preparedness. Border units depend on transport systems to move supplies, maintain essential equipment and support activities across geographically isolated locations.

The introduction of cold-start equipment complements investments in power generation, troop accommodation and other infrastructure improvements. Together, these measures aim to strengthen the ITBP’s ability to maintain regular operations throughout difficult winter conditions.

ITBP Adapts to the Changing Nature of Modern Warfare

The modernisation measures announced by Director General Kapoor reflect the changing requirements of security operations along India’s northern frontier.

Traditional border-guarding responsibilities continue to involve patrolling, surveillance, physical presence and the protection of sensitive locations. However, modern technologies are expanding the range of capabilities needed to perform these tasks effectively.

Unmanned aerial systems provide additional surveillance options, while counter-drone technologies are becoming increasingly important for protecting personnel and infrastructure. Specialised combat training strengthens the ability of border units to respond to demanding situations, particularly where difficult terrain limits conventional movement.

The construction of underground shelters represents another aspect of this adaptation. Experiences from recent conflicts have demonstrated the importance of protecting personnel, equipment and essential infrastructure against emerging battlefield threats.

For the ITBP, these developments must be integrated with the traditional skills required for high-altitude border security. Mountain warfare training, endurance, logistical resilience and familiarity with difficult terrain remain essential to the force’s operational responsibilities.

The modernisation programme therefore combines technological development with improvements in training, physical infrastructure and personnel welfare.

Strengthening India’s Himalayan Border Security

Established on 24 October 1962, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police has developed into a specialised Central Armed Police Force responsible for guarding India’s frontier with China. Operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, the force performs its duties across some of the most challenging mountainous regions in the world.

The announcements made ahead of its 65th Raising Day highlight a new phase in the organisation’s development. Dedicated drone platoons are now part of its border-guarding structure, while new combat training programmes and specialised formations are intended to strengthen tactical preparedness.

The proposed modernisation funding also demonstrates the growing emphasis on drone and counter-drone technologies. At the same time, investments in underground shelters, insulated barracks, electricity generation and vehicle reliability address the practical requirements of maintaining a permanent security presence in difficult terrain.

These initiatives are intended to strengthen the ITBP’s ability to undertake its border-security responsibilities while adapting to the demands of modern warfare.

With expanded surveillance capabilities, specialised personnel training and improved protective infrastructure, the ITBP is advancing towards a more technologically capable and resilient high-altitude border force. The continuing modernisation programme will strengthen operational preparedness and support India’s long-term security requirements along the Himalayan frontier.

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References

1. Indo-Tibetan Border Police – Director General’s Address, Central Training College, Alwar, Rajasthan, 22 October 2026. Statements attributed to Director General Shatrujeet Singh Kapoor during the investiture ceremony preceding the ITBP’s 65th Raising Day. The original official recording has not been independently authenticated for this article.
2. Press Trust of India, 22 October 2026. ITBP Has Raised Drone Platoons, Building Bunkers Along LAC: ITBP DG. Original news agency dispatch containing the Director General’s reported statements.
   https://www.ptinews.com/detail/national/ITBP-has-raised-drone-platoons-building-bunkers-along-LAC-ITBP-DG/4190831
3. The Indian Express, 23 October 2026. ITBP Chief Shatrujeet Kapur Admits Face-Offs with China in Arunachal. Additional reporting on the Director General’s address and modernisation announcements.
   https://indianexpress.com/article/india/arunachal-pradesh-lac-face-offs-itbp-dg-shatrujeet-kapur-10933127/
4. Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Government of India. Official institutional information concerning the force’s mandate, structure and border-security responsibilities.
   https://itbpolice.nic.in/

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