The Indian Armed Forces have deployed troops that are equipped with shoulder-fired air defence missiles at the crucial heights near the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh, news agency ANI reported.
The Russian-origin air defence systems, used by the Indian Army and Air Force, are supposed to be used when the enemy fighter jets or choppers come close to own locations or deployments during hostilities.
The deployment of a sizeable number of troops with shoulder-fired missiles came as part of India’s overall approach to significantly ramp up combat capabilities of the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) in eastern Ladakh.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) had also deployed its Su-30MKI around the first week of May to foil a possible airspace violation by Chinese helicopters in the eastern Ladakh area.
The India side has also enhanced its surveillance through the deployment of radars and surface to air missile systems to keep track of the enemy air movement there.
According to sources, Indian agencies are closely monitoring the 7 airbases of China, Hotan, Gargusa, Kashgar, Hopping, Dhanka Jong, Linjhi and Panagat.
The Linzhi airbase on the other side of the North-East is primarily a helicopter air base, here the PLAAF has developed a network of helipads to increase the surveillance in this area. All these airbases are quite active in recent times.
Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat on Monday said a military option to deal with transgressions by the Chinese Army in Ladakh is on but will be exercised only if talks between the two armies and the diplomatic option fail.
Indian and China have held multiple rounds of military talks which includes Lieutenant-General level talks.
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