The Indian Army, known for its robust mule transport, is undergoing a significant shift. In alignment with force restructuring plans, the century-old animal transport fleet is being replaced by cutting-edge technologies.
Around 1,500 mountain artillery mules have already been reduced, with the remaining to phase out by 2025. Over 3,300 general service mules, vital for transporting essentials, will retire by the end of the decade. This reduction aligns with the broader goal of a 70 percent cut in animal transport companies by 2030.
Simultaneously, the Army has invested over Rs 320 crore in contracts for 563 logistics drones, designed for high-altitude deliveries. Another Rs 285-crore deal includes 100 four-legged robotic mules for autonomous movement in various terrains up to 10,000 feet. Additionally, contracts worth nearly Rs 70 crore cover 300 rough-terrain vehicles capable of carrying over 100kg of load.
This transition not only marks the retirement of the traditional mule fleet but also leads to the closure of five mobile field veterinary hospitals and the remount training school and depot. The move towards technology-driven logistics aims to enhance operational efficiency and reduce reliance on conventional animal transport, propelling the Indian Army into a modernised era of warfare.
