India Remembers
AMX-13 Tanks of 20 Lancers in Chushul area, October 1962
Sino-Indian Conflict of 1962
Chushul, Western Theatre
After pushing Indian troops back from Galwan, Demchok, Sirijap posts in Ladakh region during the 1962 war, the Chinese forces advanced toward Chusul sector, which housed an all-weather airfield. To defend the sector, reinforcements were sent. Two troops of AMX-13 tanks of 20 Lancers were airlifted to Chushul airfield by IAF’s Antonov-12 transport aircraft. The tanks played a significant role in breaking the Chinese attack at Gurung Hill in the western theatre on 18th November 1962. The Chinese force was blunted entirely by the effectiveness of the tanks and artillery fire. Eventually, the airfield was defended and it remained in the Indian hands. For IAF, flying-in the tanks was a major achievement.
The war, which began on 20th October 1962, with Chinese advances over Indian troops, ended on 20th November 1962. India suffered a loss of 1423 lives, 3018 others sustained injuries.
(Image Courtesy: USI)
(This photograph may not be reproduced in any format electronically or in print without the prior consent of the Owner or Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India.)
AMX-13 Tanks of 20 Lancers in Chushul area, October 1962
Sino-Indian Conflict of 1962
Chushul, Western Theatre
After pushing Indian troops back from Galwan, Demchok, Sirijap posts in Ladakh region during the 1962 war, the Chinese forces advanced toward Chusul sector, which housed an all-weather airfield. To defend the sector, reinforcements were sent. Two troops of AMX-13 tanks of 20 Lancers were airlifted to Chushul airfield by IAF’s Antonov-12 transport aircraft. The tanks played a significant role in breaking the Chinese attack at Gurung Hill in the western theatre on 18th November 1962. The Chinese force was blunted entirely by the effectiveness of the tanks and artillery fire. Eventually, the airfield was defended and it remained in the Indian hands. For IAF, flying-in the tanks was a major achievement.
The war, which began on 20th October 1962, with Chinese advances over Indian troops, ended on 20th November 1962. India suffered a loss of 1423 lives, 3018 others sustained injuries.
(Image Courtesy: USI)
(This photograph may not be reproduced in any format electronically or in print without the prior consent of the Owner or Centre for Armed Forces Historical Research, United Service Institution of India.)