Indian Army Seeks Upgrade with Insulated ‘Pup Tents’ for Frigid Border Deployments

New Delhi: In the face of the ongoing standoff with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army is gearing up for an essential upgrade to enhance the comfort and safety of its troops stationed on the icy heights. The focus is on acquiring state-of-the-art insulated ‘pup tents,’ designed to withstand the extreme temperatures that can plummet as low as minus 50 degrees Celsius.

These ‘Pup Tents’ represent a lighter, more easily deployable alternative to the current ‘Tent Arctic Small Mk II’, each of which can house up to four soldiers. The move is in response to identified limitations in existing tents that are impacting troop productivity and protection in challenging high-altitude terrain.

The Army has recently opened the doors for Original Equipment Manufacturers and Authorized Dealers to participate in the upgrade process through a Request for Information (RFI). The criteria include strong structural design, efficient ventilation and cold-resistant components to withstand the harsh mountain conditions.

Designed for deployment in extreme cold weather areas such as Eastern Ladakh, Sikkim and Siachen Glacier, these tents boast exceptional insulation capabilities for winters while being suitable for summer conditions. The compact size and self-contained nature of the tents make them ideal for soldiers while on patrol, providing flexibility for setting up sentry and observation posts in confined spaces.

With India’s strategic focus on developing border infrastructure since 2020, this initiative is in line with the country’s commitment to provide optimal living conditions for the approximately 55,000 troops deployed in these critical border areas. As talks begin with vendors, the Army’s quest for advanced shelters signals its commitment to ensuring the well-being of its personnel in the challenging terrain of the northern borders.