Thread by @DevjyotGhoshal

Thread.

Since tensions escalated with China this summer, India has moved thousands of additional troops to Ladakh.

That's been backed up by a massive military logistics operation.

Yesterday, we got a glimpse into how it works.

in.reuters.com/article/specia…

Below: A C-17 lands.

In recent months, the military has brought vast quantities of ammunition, equipment, fuel, winter supplies and food into Ladakh - more than 150,000 tonnes, via two highways and a fleet of large transport aircraft.

You can spot two below.

Eastern Ladakh, where the flare-up occurred, is typically manned by 20,000-30,000 soldiers. But the deployment has now more than doubled.

And they are set to stay through the harsh winter, in freezing temperatures and often deployed above 15,000 ft.

In the middle of a pandemic.

The materials brought in are stored across a network of logistics hubs.

From these depots, the suppliess are pushed to logistics nodes by trucks, helicopters and, in some particularly difficult parts, mules.

Didn't find a mule yesterday.

Here's an IAF Chinook, instead.

Fuel is a critical part of the supplies, both for vehicles, armour, and heating equipment in high altitudes.

The Indian army has one of its biggest (and highest) fuel depots in Leh, where an entire hillside was dotted with green barrels.

Below: a convoy of tankers rolls out.

The Indian army also has a fleet of light helicopters to move small amounts of troops, supplies and carry out medical evacuations from remote posts.

This is the indigenously built Advance Light Helicopter, taking off for a supply run from a base around Leh.

With months to go before winter sets in, military officials told us they've already got everything they need.

And if things do get worse, the airforce can bring in more, in double time.

Full story here, with pictures by @dansiddiqui: reut.rs/3mtpyVw