Mikoyan MiG-29
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing defence capabilities against potential threats from both Pakistan and China, India has stationed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base.
The Tridents squadron, now bearing the name ‘Defender of the North,’ has taken over from the MiG-21 squadron that traditionally safeguarded the region against Pakistani threats.
Strategic Placement and Enhanced Capabilities
The rationale behind this deployment lies in Srinagar’s pivotal location within the Kashmir valley and its higher elevation compared to the plains.
Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma said, “Srinagar lies in the centre of Kashmir valley and its elevation is higher than plains. It is strategically better to place an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and less response time due to proximity to the border and is equipped with better avionics and long-range missiles. The MiG-29 fulfils all these criteria due to which we are capable of taking in the enemies on both fronts.”
Unmatched Advantages and Preparedness
The MiG-29 fighter jets boast several advantages over their predecessor, the MiG-21s, which effectively secured the region for years, even shooting down an F-16 in 2019 following the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps.
The recent upgrades have equipped the MiG-29s with long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, augmented by lethal weaponry obtained through government-granted emergency procurement powers.
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“The fighter aircraft have also been provided with the capability to jam the enemy aircraft’s capabilities during times of conflict”, officials said.
Bolstering National Defense
Squadron Leader Shivam Rana added that the upgraded aircraft have the capacity to operate during night-time scenarios utilizing night vision goggles.
“We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft,” he said.
Having relocated to the Srinagar air base in January, the MiG-29s have been tirelessly patrolling the skies over the Kashmir valley and the Ladakh sector.
Vital Deployments and Responses
These aircraft are primed to respond rapidly to any airspace violations attempted by China.
Notably, they were the first aircraft deployed in the Ladakh sector following the Galwan clash of 2020, thwarting multiple threats from the Chinese side.
This deployment sends a clear message: India is committed to ensuring its sovereignty and security. The strategic positioning of technologically advanced aircraft reaffirms India’s preparedness to address challenges from both its western and northern borders, and its resolve to safeguard its interests remains steadfast.
