New Delhi: Pakistani airbases in PoK are under India’s radar after a Chinese refueller aircraft landed in Skardu last week. Chinese air activity along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh has also increased.
According to a report by ET, limited activity has been observed at the Skardu airbase and this comes after an IL 78 tanker of the PLAAF landed there a few days ago, apart from some Pakistan Air Force transport aircraft.
Tensions between India and China have increased manifolds after 20 Indian Army personnel were martyred during an ambush by the PLA. During the violent skirmish, PLA soldiers also died but Communist China, which is notorious for suppressing and censoring information, did not release the number fearing backlash from the public.
India deploys Akash missile defense system in Ladakh
Both sides have amassed troops along the LAC with the Indian Air Force (IAF) deploying its frontline fighters and other assets along the border.
Earlier today, it was reported that air defence systems of both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force were deployed along the border to thwart any Chinese misadventure.
Increased PLAAF activity along LAC
As per the ET report, the PLAAF runs and operates several airbases in and around Tibet, with Hotan housing the highest number of combat assets. However, due to its location at an altitude higher than 4,000 feet, it is extremely tough for “fighters to take off with a full weapons load and fuel.”
Skardu airbase was upgraded last year by Pakistan and in it was used by Pakistani JF 17s on their way to the PLAAF base at Hotan for a joint exercise.
Meanwhile, United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday cited the example of “deadly border confrontations” with India asserting that Washington will make sure it is postured appropriately to counter the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) in view of the threat from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) to India, Vietnam and other Southasian countries.
