As Srinagar is located in the middle of a valley and has a higher altitude than the plains, it is preferable to position an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio...
Digital Desk: India deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at the Srinagar air base to counter threats coming from both the Chinese and Pakistani fronts.
The Tridents squadron, commonly known as the "Defender of the North," took the position of the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar base. Pakistani threats have been dealt with by the Srinagar base.
According to Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma, as Srinagar is located in the middle of a valley and has a higher altitude than plains, it is preferable to position an aircraft with a higher weight-to-thrust ratio and faster response time given the area's proximity to the border. Additionally, it has long-range missiles and superior avionics. It can capture the opponents on both fronts because the MiG-29 satisfies all of these requirements.
Over MiG-21 aircraft, the MiG-29 offers several advantages. In Kashmir, the MiG-21 has effectively defended the territory under its control. In 2019, following the airstrikes on the terrorist camps in Pakistan from Balakot, it was also successful in striking down an F-16.
The government has granted the armed forces emergency access rights, allowing them to arm the MiG-29 with deadly ordnance. The aircraft now has exceptionally long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons in addition to the upgrades.
During a dispute, the aircraft can jam the capabilities of the enemy aircraft, officials stated.
According to another pilot, Squadron Leader Shivam Rana, the fighter jets are equipped with night vision goggles, enabling them to fly at night. Due to its ability to refuel from the air to the air, the MiG-29 has a longer range.
According to Rana, air-to-ground weaponry was previously absent from the aircraft but has now been added. “The biggest capability of the aircraft are the pilots which are handpicked by the IAF to serve on these aircraft," he added.
In January of this year, the MiG-29 aircraft was moved to Srinagar.
The MiG-29s have conducted extensive practice flights in the Kashmir Valley and along the Ladakh sector, where they will be the first to react if the Chinese violate international airspace.
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