India has deployed a squadron of upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets at Srinagar airport to deal with any possible threat on the Pakistani and Chinese fronts. The Trident Squadron of the Indian Air Force, also known as the ‘Guardians of the North’, has replaced the MiG-21 squadron at the Srinagar airport. The MiG-21 squadron of the Indian Air Force was taking care of the threat towards Pakistan.
According to news agency ANI, Indian Air Force Pilot Squadron Leader Vipul Sharma said, ‘ Srinagar is located in the centre of the Kashmir Valley, and its height is higher than the plains. Being close to the border, having an aircraft that can respond better in less time is strategically appropriate. Another thing that makes the MiG-29 Trident squadron different from the MiG-21 is the advanced technology of these fighters, equipped with long-range missiles.
For your information, let us tell you that MiG-29 has many advantages compared to MiG-21. However, the MiG-21 squadron cannot be underestimated, which has successfully carried out its duties in the Kashmir Valley for years and has also managed to shoot down PAF’s F-16s and bomb Pakistani terrorist camps after the Balakot airstrikes in 2019. are. The MiG-29 is better because it has been equipped with very long-range air-to-air missiles and air-to-ground weapons after the upgrade.
It has also been equipped with lethal weapons using the emergency purchase powers given to the armed forces by the government. Indian Air Force officials said that ‘upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets have also been given the ability to jam the capabilities of enemy aircraft during the war.’ Squadron Leader Shivam Rana, another IAF pilot, said the upgraded MiG-29 fighter jet could operate at night with night vision goggles and has a more extended range due to air-to-air refuelling capability.
The Indian Air Force deployed the MiG-29 at Srinagar airport in January this year. Along with the Ladakh sector, these aircraft flew extensively in the Kashmir Valley. After the deployment of the MiG-29 squadron at Srinagar airport, it will be easy to give a befitting reply to any attempt by China or Pakistan to violate Indian airspace.
When the Indian Air Force deployed its fighter aircraft for the first time in the Ladakh sector to deal with the threat of China after the Galvan conflict of 2020, it expressed confidence in the MiG-29. Since then, the MiG-29 Dragon has foiled several such attempts to violate Indian airspace.
