The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) has commenced joint drills in the Karakoram Mountains at the start of the new year to assess combat readiness in high-altitude and cold-weather conditions near Indian borders. The exercises feature drones, tanks, and infantry fighting vehicles, focusing on modern warfare capabilities.
According to a China Central Television (CCTV) report on Monday, a unit from the Xinjiang Military Command has been conducting tactical reconnaissance drills in an unfamiliar high-altitude environment. The drills involve a coordinated effort between reconnaissance, armoured, and firepower units, employing a variety of equipment to test operational effectiveness.
During the ongoing exercises, the reconnaissance unit quickly manoeuvred to a designated area and established an observation post after receiving intelligence from higher command. Simultaneously, aerial reconnaissance units deployed drones for real-time battlefield surveillance, enhancing situational awareness and operational precision.
The CCTV report revealed that as the drills progressed, the reconnaissance unit advanced the frontline swiftly. Utilizing radar systems, drones, and telescopes, they conducted a thorough detection of the enemy’s forward positions, enhancing their situational awareness and tactical precision.
Annual Military Drill
This year’s military drills officially commenced on January 2, with troops conducting exercises across the country in diverse terrains—from the arid Gobi Desert and coastal frontlines to snow-covered plateaus and dense mountain forests.
On Thursday, a destroyer detachment from the PLA Southern Theatre Command launched intensive drills. A formation of advanced destroyers and frigates departed for designated waters to carry out a series of high-intensity, combat-oriented exercises, according to a CCTV report.
Simultaneously, an Air Force aviation brigade conducted its first training flight of the year, incorporating aerial tactical competitions into their drills. Pilots participated in realistic combat scenarios, including air combat confrontations, close-range air support, and air-to-ground attack exercises across multiple disciplines. The training is designed to refine pilots’ combat skills within a simulated battlefield environment, as reported by CCTV.
According to Chinese military analysts, this year’s New Year drills are closely tied to the ongoing reform of the joint operational system. The goal is to strengthen interdependence among different military services and branches to maximize the effectiveness of joint operations. By doing so, the PLA aims to constrain enemy decision-making and force them into disadvantageous positions, the report added.
Team BharatShakti
