Multiple fighter jets including the Mig-29 were involved in the night operation; Apache combat helicopters also took part in the exercise. IAF officers said the operations were to increase preparedness in view of the current border situation.
An India Air Force jet takes off from a forward base near India-China border for night operations. (Photo: ANI)
HIGHLIGHTS
- IAF fighter aircraft and helicopters conducted night opration near India-China border
- Multiple fighter jets including the Mig-29 were involved in the night operation
- The night operation were conducted soon after the first signs of disengagement between India and China on Monday
Several fighter jets of Indian Air Force conducted night operation at a forward airbase near the India-China border.
Multiple fighter jets including the Mig-29 were involved in the operation; Apache combat and Chinook heavylift helicopters also took part in the operations.
An IAF officer who spoke to India Today TV said the night operations are being conducted in order to be prepared for any aggravation by China, given the fact that the situation remains volatile in the aftermath of the Galwan River Valley clash that claimed the life of 20 Indian soldiers.
He exuded confidence that the IAF is ready for any future escalation that comes in its way.
Meanwhile, a senior fighter pilot told news agency ANI that night operations have an “inherent element of surprise” and that the IAF is trained and ready to undertake an entire spectrum of operations in any environment.
“IAF is fully trained and ready to undertake entire spectrum of ops in any environment with help of modern platforms and motivated personnel,” Group Captain and senior fighter pilot A Rathi told ANI.
It may be noted that the night operations were conducted by the IAF soon after the first signs of disengagement between India and China at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh.
Also Read | First sign of de-escalation at LAC: What caused China to pull back in Ladakh
On Monday, removal of Chinese tents in Galwan Valley followed a two-hour telephonic conversation on Sunday between representatives of India and China.
India’s National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and China’s State Councillor and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi also spoke to each other.
Officials observing the situation on the ground called it a “piecemeal de-escalation” but added that it was the first step taken to defuse the two-month standoff.
Also Read | 800 metres: Finally a figure on what Chinese Army claims in Galwan
