India-China border tensions escalate as Delhi conducts night ops in Ladakh
Srinagar: India has launched night operations in Ladakh’s high-altitude areas using Dhruv helicopters, amidst escalating tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to Kashmir Media Service, this move is seen as a strategic response to China’s increased military presence and infrastructure development in the region, which has left India high and dry.
The Indian Army is taking no chances, with pilots and technicians pushing the limits of the Dhruv helicopters to ensure missions. Major Ayush Devliyal, a technical supervisor, stressed the importance of rigorous inspections before clearing a helicopter for flight. “Every team checks their specific systems, and after that, the aircraft is certified by an engineering officer for flying.”
However, flying in high-altitude conditions poses significant challenges. Major Amarendra, a Cheetah helicopter pilot, explained, “At night, your depth perception reduces, so we rely more on our instruments. The winds blow stronger at night, so we have to take care of those things, especially turbulent winds.”
The Indian Army’s decision to conduct night operations is a clear signal that it’s taking China’s posturing in the region seriously. With China’s advance in the region and its claims on Arunachal Pradesh, India’s concerns about its territorial integrity are growing .
The situation is complex, with multiple factors at play. Indian defense experts point to China’s “salami slicing” tactic, where it gradually ‘encroaches’ on enemy territory over time. However, neutral analysts see India’s road construction in Ladakh as a trigger for China’s move. KMS-6K
