New Delhi, June 19: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is placed on alert along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh after violent skirmish between People’s Liberation Army (PLA) and Indian troops in the Galwan Valley.
IAF aircrafts are constantly guarding the border. Several fighter jets have been deployed in Ladakh.
Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria visited the Leh and Srinagar airbases on Friday to take stock of the preparations.
In the first leg of his tour, the Air Force Chief reached Leh on June 17 and then from there he went to Srinagar Airbase on June 18. Both the air bases are located near the eastern Ladakh region and are capable of running any combat aircraft operation in this inaccessible mountainous region.
At this time there is tremendous movement in Leh and the Air Force fighter aircraft are constantly patrolling. Soldiers and goods are being sent to Ladakh by aircraft.
The visit of Air Force Chief RKS Bhadoria was not pre-decided, it is evident that he has reached Leh after the confrontation with China.
The visit is considered strategically important after 20 soldiers were martyred in a violent clash with Chinese troops in the eastern Himayalan.
He visited the Leh and Srinagar airbases and looked into the preparedness and reviewed the situation by meeting with Air Force officials.
The Air Force chief directed to work in better coordination with the army deployed in Ladakh and to test the preparations made so far.
Air Force Chief Bhadauriya investigated all the platforms which have been shifted to the area in view of the attack by Chinese troops in eastern Ladakh.
The Air Force has also deployed fighter aircraft Multi Role Combact, Mirage-2000, Sukhoi-30S and and Jaguar in Ladakh to keep an eye on Line of Actual Control (LAC). Senior Air Force officers are also touring separately. Combat Air Patrol aircraft are constantly monitored by flying.
Apart from this, Chinook helicopters have been deployed to deliver food and logistics to the troops stationed in Ladakh. American Apache helicopters have been deployed in areas close to the areas where action is being carried out by ground troops to provide air support to Indian Army personnel in the eastern Ladakh sector.
Apart from this, MI-17 V5 Medium-lift helicopters are also playing an active role in the field of troops and material transport.
Air Force spokesperson Wing Commander Indranil Nandi was asked about IAF Chief’s visit to Leh and Srinagar on this, Wing Commander declined to comment.
