In a strategic move aimed at addressing potential threats from both the Pakistani and Chinese borders, India has stationed a squadron of enhanced MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base.

Taking on a new identity as the 'Defender of the North,' the Tridents squadron has assumed its role at the Srinagar air base. This squadron, formerly recognized as Tridents, has taken over from the MiG-21 squadron, which has historically been tasked with managing security concerns emanating from Pakistan.

“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,” Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI.

In response to potential challenges from both the Pakistani and Chinese borders, India has positioned an upgraded squadron of MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base. This strategic deployment coincides with the transition of the Tridents squadron, now titled the 'Defender of the North,' assuming responsibility from the longstanding MiG-21 squadron. Traditionally tasked with addressing security concerns stemming from Pakistan, the MiG-21 squadron's role has been succeeded by the newly designated Tridents squadron at the Srinagar air base.

“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,” Indian Air Force pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma told ANI.

The upgraded MiG-29s have significant advantages over the MiG-21s, which effectively protected the Kashmir valley for years. Notably, the MiG-21s even downed an F-16 in 2019 after the Balakot air strikes.

The modernized MiG-29s feature long-range air-to-air and air-to-ground weaponry, acquired through emergency procurement powers. These aircraft are equipped to jam enemy capabilities during conflicts. Additionally, they can operate at night with night vision goggles and have extended range due to air-to-air refueling capabilities.

“We have also included the air-to-ground armament which was not there earlier. The biggest capabilities of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the Indian Air Force to serve on these aircraft,” official said.

Deployed at Srinagar air base since January, the MiG-29s have undertaken extensive flights in Kashmir and Ladakh. Positioned to swiftly respond to any airspace violations by China, they were the initial aircraft deployed in Ladakh after the 2020 Galwan clash, successfully deterring multiple threats since.

Image source: ANI