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Indian Army Modernizes Logistics: Bids Farewell to Mules

The resilient and dependable mules of the Army, long-serving in transporting vital loads to remote border posts across challenging terrains and harsh weather conditions for over a century, are gradually making way for modernization. The Army is adopting logistics drones, robotic mules, all-terrain vehicles, and rough-terrain vehicles as replacements for its traditional animal transport fleet.

As part of the broader "force restructuring and optimization" initiative, the 1.2-million strong Army aims to trim its manpower by approximately one lakh personnel by 2027. Already, the Army has reduced the number of its "mountain artillery mules" by 1,500, which carry 120mm mortars and ammunition to remote forward posts lacking proper roads or tracks. The remaining mountain artillery mules are slated to be phased out by 2025.

In the past year, the Army has secured contracts for 563 logistics drones designed for last-mile deliveries to troops stationed along borders. Additionally, it has acquired 100 four-legged robotic mules capable of autonomous movement with obstruction avoidance features across varied terrains, even at altitudes up to 10,000 feet. Furthermore, 300 rough-terrain vehicles have been procured, each capable of carrying loads exceeding 100kg.