In the midst of China pressure in Arunachal and Ladakh, IAF holds air practice in northeastern area, Rafale in action

New Delhi: The India Air Force (IAF) launched a major Northeastern region exercise on Thursday amid China tensions in eastern Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh. For the two-day mega exercise, the IAF has deployed nearly all of its frontline fighter jets, transport aircraft, and attack helicopters.

During a recent uptick in border tensions with China along the Line of Actual Control in Arunachal Pradesh, the Air Force is said to have sent Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage 2000, C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, as well as other attack helicopters and other military equipment, to participate in the two-day exercise. The IAF has made it clear that the exercise was planned ahead of time.

Meanwhile, the final 36 Rafale aircraft joined the force, significantly increasing the IAF's firepower.

"FEET DRAIN!" The pack is finished. "After a brief sip from a UAE Air Force tanker while en route, the final 36 IAF Rafales landed in India," the IAF tweeted.

Arunachal Pradesh's skies have been scouted by IAF fighter jets ever since the clash on December 9. On December 9, the Indian Army and Chinese soldiers were said to have engaged in a fight in the Tawang area of Arunachal Pradesh. The soldiers of the two countries engaged in fistfights during the border standoff that has lasted more than 30 months in eastern Ladakh.

After the Chinese "unilaterally" attempted to alter the situation in the Yangtse area of the Tawang sector, the conflict broke out. However, the soldiers of the Indian Army resisted them vigorously. On December 13, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh told Parliament that Indian troops bravely stopped Chinese PLA troops from violating the LAC in the Yangtse area of the Tawang Sector and unilaterally altering the status quo. Singh stated, "Our troops contested the Chinese attempt firmly and resolutely."