Srinagar: In response to increased military activities by China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), India has initiated night operations using Dhruv helicopters in the high-altitude terrains of Ladakh, signaling a significant escalation in border tensions between the two nations.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the deployment of night operations by the Indian Army aims to counter China’s enhanced military presence and aggressive infrastructure expansion in the contested region. This strategic move underscores India’s resolve to maintain a vigilant stance and readiness under challenging conditions.
The complexities of night operations in such high-altitude environments are considerable. Major Ayush Devliyal, a technical supervisor in the Indian Army, highlighted the rigorous processes involved in preparing the helicopters for missions. “Every team checks their specific systems, and after that, the aircraft is certified by an engineering officer for flying,” he explained, underscoring the meticulous attention to safety and operational readiness.
Major Amarendra, a pilot who operates Cheetah helicopters, detailed the difficulties faced during nocturnal flights. “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,” he stated, reflecting on the additional challenges that pilots must navigate.
The decision to conduct such operations is a direct reflection of the growing concerns over China’s assertive postures and territorial claims, particularly regarding Arunachal Pradesh. Indian defense analysts have accused China of employing a “salami slicing” tactic, characterized by the gradual encroachment of territory. Conversely, neutral observers suggest that India’s own infrastructure endeavors in Ladakh could have provoked these recent escalations.
The ongoing developments indicate a heightened state of alert along the India-China border, with both nations demonstrating increased military capabilities and strategic deployments in a region fraught with historical and geopolitical tensions.
Source: Kashmir Media Service