“The priority was quick deployment of army and air assets to build credible force to tackle the adversary. The build-up of fighter aircraft included the forward deployment of Rafales, SU-30MKIs and Mig-29s. Combat air patrols were conducted, which means that fighters were in the air to dissuade the Chinese from any “misadventure”. Coordinating with the armyThe next requirement is strengthening the air defence network, which includes surface-to-air guided weapons and the radars to guide them. As per the existing agreements between India and China, operation of fighter aircraft and armed helicopters is restricted to a distance from the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

Source: The Hindu August 13, 2023 19:27 UTC