ITBP Chief Flags Ongoing Face-Offs With Chinese PLA Troops at Arunachal Border
ITBP chief Shatrughan Singh Kapoor has disclosed ongoing face-offs with Chinese PLA troops at multiple locations in Arunachal Pradesh, while outlining plans to expand Shaurya Commandos, deploy drone units and invest Rs 1,000 crore in drone and anti-drone systems.
Kapoor congratulated the newly formed ‘Shaurya Commandos’ combat teams for their performance during face-offs with soldiers of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA).
“Recently, a situation arose in Arunachal Pradesh where face-offs took place at several locations, and some of these situations are still continuing. Our ‘Shaurya Commando’ teams deployed there have performed exceptionally well,” the ITBP chief said.
He said the force had already established one commando team in every ITBP battalion, while two additional teams were being formed. The objective is to establish a full commando company in every battalion. The force is also working on creating a separate battalion dedicated entirely to commando operations.
“Our Operations Wing is working on this, and I hope the blueprint will be ready in the next one or two days. These elite commando units will become a distinctive identity of the ITBP,” Kapoor said.
The ITBP chief also highlighted the growing threat posed by drones, noting that the technology had significantly transformed traditional methods of warfare and was changing the role of defence forces.
He said the ITBP was planning to establish a drone unit in every platoon. The force is also increasing drone production in-house and training drone pilots. Kapoor added that a separate ‘Strike Corps’, a military unit designed for offensive operations, was expected to be established soon.
Must Listen -ITBP DG Announces STRIKE Training for Entire Force by End of 2027,10K ITBP Personnel Already Trained Under #STRIKE Course; 330 Master Trainers Prepared ITBP to Deploy Drone Platoons in Every Border-Guarding Battalion 70% of 400 Crore Modernisation Allocation Earmarked for Drones and Anti #Drone Systems. ITBP Plans 3,500-4,000 Crore Modernisation Programme.1,000 Crore Proposed for Drone Warfare.#ITBP Begins In House Drone Manufacturing to Reduce Dependence on External Suppliers.ITBP to Strengthen Forward BOPs With Equipment to Counter #Galwan Like Situations. @indiatvnews @indiatvnews
— Manish Prasad (@manishindiatv) October 22, 2026
Referring to China’s substantial investment in its military, the PLA and its media capabilities, Kapoor said Beijing had made considerable progress in conventional warfare. However, he suggested that drones could serve as an equaliser on the changing battlefield.
Citing the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, Kapoor said the damage inflicted on Russia by Ukraine, a smaller country, over the past four years demonstrated how the nature of warfare was evolving. He also referred to Iran as another example of the changing character of conflict.
Looking ahead, Kapoor said the ITBP expected to receive increased funding by 2030. Of the anticipated allocation, approximately Rs 1,000 crore is planned to be earmarked specifically for drones and anti-drone systems.
The force’s modernisation plans will also focus on mobility and equipment, including all-terrain vehicles, autonomous ground vehicles and quick reaction vehicles. In addition, the ITBP is considering modernising its ammunition.
The developments come amid continuing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), where India and China maintain different perceptions of the boundary. These differing interpretations have repeatedly led to face-offs and other complications.
In September, the Indian and Chinese armies held their first-ever corps commander-level meeting in the eastern sector on September 6, 2026. According to sources, the Indian Army has adopted a firm position regarding the conduct of Chinese troops in areas where new issues have recently emerged.
CTC, अलवर में DG #ITBP शत्रुजीत कपूर ने ‘हिमवीर सम्मान समारोह’ में 136 कार्मिकों को उत्कृष्ट सेवाओं के लिए महानिदेशक स्मृति चिह्न एवं प्रशस्ति पत्र प्रदान किया। इस अवसर पर DG ने हिमवीरों के शौर्य की सराहना की तथा विकसित भारत@2047 में बल के योगदान की रूपरेखा प्रस्तुत की। https://t.co/sS3sZ0RQ6w
— ITBP (@ITBP_official) October 22, 2026
Until now, India and China have held corps commander-level meetings at the Chushul-Moldo Border Meeting Point in the Ladakh sector to address issues related to the LAC.
The ITBP’s planned expansion of commando capabilities, deployment of drone units and investment in anti-drone systems underscore the force’s focus on adapting to evolving security challenges along the India-China border.

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