Gallants Tails & Warrior Paws of Our Canine War Heroes

If we are leading a safe, secure, and peaceful life within the country, it’s because of the chivalrous soldiers guarding us relentlessly at the borders. Irrespective of what we say or how much thanksgiving we can offer, their gallantry and bravery remain unmatched. The brave soldiers stand tall at the borders just to safeguard the nation and its dwellers. That’s not all; they are the ones to come forward and secure the nation’s integrity during wars and other emergencies. These soldiers find the best support in the K9 Army, where the canine partners emerge as a great support system for these courageous men and women.

Courageous K9 Army

The Indian Army has a dedicated Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) that trains dogs for search, rescue, mine detection, and patrolling. It was established in 1779, making it one of the oldest corps in the Indian Army.

Their motto is – “Pashu Seva Asmakam Dharm” (Animal service is our duty). The RVC provides specialized animal support to the armed forces, including breeding, training, and maintaining –

• Horses (for cavalry, ceremonial, and logistical use)

• Mules (for carrying loads in high-altitude and rough terrains)

• Dogs (for security, explosive detection, mine detection, search & rescue)

The Canine Wing was raised in 1942 and has grown to be the heart of the RVC operations. The most common breeds trained are – Labradors, German Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, and Cocker Spaniels. Dogs are trained for –

• Guard duty

• Explosives/ mine detection

• Tracking (criminals/ terrorists)

• Search and rescue in disaster zones

• Avalanche rescue

The War Dog Chronicles

Dogs have served in the Indian Army since 1959, undergoing specialized training at the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) Centre in Meerut for roles such as explosive detection, tracking, guarding, and assault. Their use in warfare, however, dates back to ancient times, with records of dogs in battle across Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and British civilizations. In medieval Europe, breeds like the Irish Wolfhound were even used to unseat armoured knights. Dogs played key roles in both World Wars—detecting mines, carrying messages, and locating wounded soldiers. Notably, the Soviets deployed around 40,000 dogs during World War II as anti-tank weapons against German forces.

Guardians in Fur – War Dogs in Modern Times

Dogs have long served as silent heroes in war. From parachuting with US Navy SEALs in Iraq and Afghanistan—like ‘Cairo’, who joined the 2011 raid on Osama bin Laden—to saving thousands of lives in Vietnam, their role has been extraordinary. In India, the Remount Veterinary Corps (RVC) has earned gallantry honors for its dogs, who play crucial roles in counter-insurgency across J&K, the Northeast, and Maoist regions. With their sharp senses and loyalty, Army dogs excel in mine detection, patrolling, rescue, and IED recovery.

Paws of Valour – Some Famous Canine War Heroes

Heinz (Labrador Retriever, SSB)

Heinz was a narcotics detection dog in the Sashastra Seema Bal, serving for ~8 years, especially in operations along the India-Nepal border. Heinz began his service in Gorakhpur (Uttar Pradesh) in January 2016. After a year of intensive training at the National Training Centre for Dogs, BSF Tekanpur, Heinz was inducted into the 48th Battalion in January 2017. His primary role was the detection of illegal narcotic substances such as opium, ganja, and brown sugar. He was given an emotional send-off upon retirement in June 2025.

Zoom

Zoom, a brave Belgian Malinois, etched his name in history in October 2022. During an anti-terror operation in Anantnag, he was shot twice while fearlessly engaging militants at close range. Even gravely injured, Zoom pressed on with his mission, helping neutralize two terrorists. He later succumbed to his wounds, but his courage and sacrifice touched the nation, showcasing the unwavering spirit of India’s military dogs.

Kent (Labrador Retriever, Indian Army)

A six-year-old female Army dog from the 21 Army Dog Unit. She died during a counter-terror operation in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir in September 2023. while trying to shield her handler. She was honoured posthumously with a gallantry award.

Axel (Indian Army)

Axel joined the Indian Army 26 Army Dog Unit in December 2021, and was trained to charge and neutralise the enemy on seeing a weapon. He was also trained to carry a back-mounted camera. He was killed in action during an anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir in July 2022.

Phantom

Phantom was a four-year-old Belgian Malinois serving as an assault dog with the Indian Army’s 9 Para Special Forces, who was killed in action during an anti-terror operation in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir on October 28, 2024. He was posthumously honored with a “Mention in Dispatches” gallantry award on Republic Day 2025 for his bravery.