The Indian Air Force (IAF) in its biggest operation mobilised around 68,000 soldiers to the Eatsern Ladakh sector after the 2020 Galwan clashes. Around 90 tanks and other weapon systems were airlifted across the country by the IAF along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sector, revealed top defence sources.
The IAF also deployed its Su-30 MKI and Jaguar jets in the eastern Ladakh sector for the round-the-clock surveillance and the gathering of intelligence regarding the enemy built-up in the region, said sources.
In the wake of the Galwan clashes, the force deployed squadrons of combat aircraft in “offensive posturing” in the sector. The IAF had also deployed a sizeable number of remotely piloted aircraft (RPAs) in the region to keep the vigil strong, revealed the sources.
The IAF’s CJ 130 Super Hercules and C-17 Globemaster airlifted over 9000 tonnes of load. After the clashes, fighter jets, including Rafale and Mig-29 aircraft, were deployed for combat air patrol, while various helicopters were used for the transportation of prefabricated structures, ammunition and spares of military equipment to forward bases in the sector.
As per the sources, the range of surveillance by Su-30 MKI and Jaguar fighter jets was around 50 km. These fighter jets reportedly ensured that each and every movement of the enemy was being monitored. The Air Force has continued moving the M777 Howitzer and other artillery guns using the Chinook helicopters not only in Eastern Ladakh but also in Arunachal Pradesh where China has been trying to flex it’s muscle. The stand off between India and China continues and both the sides continue to retain over 50,000 soldiers close to the LAC.