India Deploys Upgraded MiG-29 Fighter Jets In Srinagar To Tackle Dual Threats From Pakistan And China

India has stationed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to address potential threats from Pakistan and China.

This move is part of India's strategic efforts to ensure the safety and security of its borders.

The Tridents squadron, which is now also known as the 'Defender of the North,' has taken over the responsibilities from the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar air base.

Traditionally, the MiG-21 squadron has been responsible for handling threats from Pakistan. However, with the upgraded MiG-29s, India now has a more advanced and capable aircraft to deal with potential challenges from both fronts.

According to Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma, Srinagar is located in the centre of the Kashmir valley, with higher elevation than the plains. Therefore, it is strategically advantageous to deploy an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio, faster response time, superior avionics, and long-range missiles.

"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," Squadron Leader Sharma was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

While the MiG-21s have successfully defended their assigned area in the Kashmir valley for many years, the upgraded MiG-29s provide enhanced capabilities.

In fact, during the Balakot air strikes on Pakistani terrorist camps in 2019, the MiG-21s were able to take down an F-16.

The MiG-29 has undergone upgrades that have equipped it with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weaponry.

Additionally, the aircraft has been armed with lethal weaponry through the emergency procurement powers granted to the armed forces by the government.

According to officials, the fighter aircraft now have the capability to jam the enemy aircraft's capabilities during times of conflict.

Squadron Leader Shivam Rana, another pilot, highlighted the enhanced capabilities of the upgraded MiG-29 aircraft.

He mentioned that the aircraft can now operate at night with night vision goggles and has a longer range due to air-to-air refueling capability.

In addition to these improvements, the aircraft now includes air-to-ground armament, which was not available before.

The MiG-29s were relocated to the Srinagar air base in January of this year and have been extensively utilised in the Kashmir valley and Ladakh sector, where they would be one of the first to swiftly respond to any airspace violation attempts by the Chinese.

Following the Galwan clash of 2020, the MiG-29s were the first aircraft deployed in the Ladakh sector to address the threat posed by the Chinese. Since then, they have successfully thwarted multiple attempts from the Chinese side.