IAF IN A TWO-FRONT WAR

Though the Indian Air Force now has credible “strategic reach” from the Persian Gulf to the Straits of Malacca, it needs more fighter planes, more air defence systems and more missiles to manage a possible joint threat from China and Pakistan, argues Air Marshal ANIL CHOPRA

- ANIL CHOPRA

War clouds continue to hover over Ladakh. Despite many rounds of meetings at Corps Commander and Brigade Commander level, there is no change in ground position. Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops have taken positions at a few places on the Indian side of Line of Actual Control (LAC). On the other hand, Indian Army (IA) has heavily reinforced its positions with troops and weapon systems. IA currently occupies some important high ground that puts the PLA on the defensive at many points.

Meanwhile, there has been a meeting at the Defence Minister's level at Moscow where they have shared each others position and shown desire to de-escalate. More important was the meeting between the two Foreign Ministers, again at Moscow, on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting, where a five-point plan has been evolved to act as guidance to maintain peace and tranquillity in the border areas and avoid any action that could escalate matters. The Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China border affairs (WMCC), should also continue its meetings. As per plan, further military-level talks are being scheduled.

On the other hand, there have been high-level visits to Ladakh by the Indian Prime Minister, Defence Minister, and the Army and Air Force Chiefs. The Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief has also visited some the Eastern Air Command airbases to take stock of operational preparedness. Indian Army and IAF have not only moved operational assets into Ladakh region, but also strengthened forces all along the northern border. Indian Navy is on heightened alert in the Indian Ocean. IAF has greatly supported move of IA assets including tanks and other mechanised vehicles and equipment by air. IAF Su-30 MKI, Jaguars, MiG 29s and even LCA have moved to some forward locations.