From Pahalgam to Katra: How India’s Military Dogs Are Keeping the Nation Safe Amid Rising Terrorist Threats

Katra: In the wake of the cowardly attack in Pahalgam that transpired earlier last week on 22nd April, 2025, the CRPF’s was mobilised throughout Katra to maintain peace and ensure the safety of all citizens. Among these stalwart defenders was the military’s most loyal companions, CRPF’s elite dog squad, known for its valorous history spanning over a decade.

Last year, the Indian Army suffered a heartbreaking loss with the sacrifice of Phantom, a courageous four-year-old sniffer dog. In an act of valor, he shielded his handler from a hail of bullets fired by terrorists during an intense 27-hour gunfight in Akhnoor, J&K. While three terrorists were ultimately neutralised, the noble Phantom paid the ultimate price for his bravery.

These remarkable sniffer dogs have saved countless lives, using their trusty sense of smell to navigate perilous situations. During the devastating landslide in Wayanad last year, expertly-trained dogs were deployed, demonstrating their critical ability to detect even the faintest signs of life buried beneath the debris.

While military dogs fulfill numerous essential functions; in fact, there are eight distinct areas in which they are meticulously trained. They are indispensable to both military and paramilitary operations in India, vividly exemplifying their roles in tracking, explosive detection, narcotics detection, guarding, patrolling, search and rescue, mine detection, and assault operations. Each dog is specifically trained for a role that aligns with its unique abilities and temperament.

India’s military and paramilitary forces invest significant effort into training their dogs at specialised centers across the nation. Facilities such as the RVC Centre and College in Meerut, the NTCD in Tekanpur, and the ITBP Dog Training Centre in Bhanu serve as pivotal institutions where dogs undergo rigorous preparation for critical tasks. Here, they are trained to detect explosives, track individuals, patrol vast areas, and engage in life-saving rescue operations, standing as true guardians alongside human counterparts.

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