In view of the ongoing standoff with China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), MiG-29 fighter aircraft are being planned to be deployed at the Air Force base in the Northern Sector. While preparations are underway for the same, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed establishment of mutual coordination among the Army, Navy and Air Force. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Bipin Rawat has given a vision to deploy Air Force as well as Navy warplanes on the northern or western borders of the country.
A top official source told The Daily Guardian, “MiG-29K fighter jets are planned to be deployed along the LAC at the Indian Air Force base in the northern region for operational flights in the eastern Ladakh sector. The Indian Navy’s MiG-29K fighter jets stationed on the aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya regularly fly from the Navy’s fighter base INS Hansa in Goa.”
Russian-origin fighter jets were purchased for the Indian Navy a decade ago with an aircraft carrier. The Navy is playing a key role in the ongoing dispute with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA). Navy surveillance aircraft are being used for surveillance on the LAC to monitor Chinese activities and positions. These surveillance aircrafts were also used extensively during the 2017 Doklam stalemate.
The Indian Navy is also conducting an exercise near Malacca Strait, from where the Chinese navy enters the Indian Ocean region. Aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya has also gone to the sea with its carrier battle group. The Indian Navy is constantly monitoring the activities of the Chinese Navy in the Indian Ocean region.
Amid tensions with China, Indian Navy warships also conducted exercises with the US aircraft carrier USS Nimitz a few days ago. Any activity on the PLA’s LAC is being closely monitored.
Meanwhile, according to sources, the Indian Air Force may deploy new fighter Rafale in the Ladakh sector, to strengthen the forces. Disputes between Indian and Chinese troops continue and the withdrawal of troops remains a challenging process. The deployment of Rafale fighter jets may be discussed during the Air Force Commanders conference.