Srinagar, Aug 12: India has strategically stationed an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base, reinforcing its defense capabilities against potential threats from both Pakistan and China.
Replacing the MiG-21 squadron that historically guarded against Pakistani threats, the newly designated ‘Defender of the North,’ also known as the Tridents squadron, now stands ready to secure the region. The decision is rooted in Srinagar’s central Kashmir valley location, its higher elevation, and its proximity to border regions.
Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma of the Indian Air Force explained that the MiG-29, with its superior weight-to-thrust ratio, quicker response time, advanced avionics, and extended missile range, is well-suited to address adversaries on both fronts.
The MiG-29 surpasses its predecessor, the MiG-21, having successfully defended the Kashmir valley for years, even downing an F-16 in 2019 following the Balakot air strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan.
Equipped with enhanced long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, the MiG-29s have been armed under the armed forces’ emergency procurement powers, bolstering their lethality. Additionally, the aircraft possess the capability to disrupt enemy aircraft’s functions during conflicts.
Squadron Leader Shivam Rana highlighted the aircraft’s advanced features, including night operations with night vision goggles and air-to-air refueling capability, along with expanded air-to-ground armaments. He underscored that the pilots selected to operate these aircraft are meticulously chosen by the Indian Air Force.
Deployed to the Srinagar air base in January, the MiG-29s have extensively patrolled the Kashmir valley and Ladakh sector, positioning them to swiftly respond to potential airspace violations by China. Following the Galwan clash of 2020, these jets became the primary aircraft deployed in the Ladakh region to counter Chinese threats, successfully thwarting multiple attempts.
