NEW DELHI, KOMPAS.com – Jet fighter Gust made in France India, tested flying near the border China on Monday (21/9/2020).
A senior Air Force (AU) officer for “Bollywood Country” told the news agency AFP, India carried out “recognition” over its contested border with China.
The region was the scene of deadly clashes between the armies of the two countries in June.
Also read: 5 Rafale Fighter Jets Have Arrived, India Bluffs Its Enemies
A total of 5 units of 36 jet combat Rafale, which is worth a total of US $ 9.4 billion (Rp.139.78 trillion), officially began serving on September 10.
Indian Defense Minister Rajnath Singh called it a “strong message” for New Delhi’s enemies.
” Rafale fighter jet have been introduced in our operational areas including in Ladakh, “a senior Indian Air Force officer told AFP without mentioning names.
Also read: Chinese Combat Jets Continue to Fly, Taiwan Releases War Weapons
In mid-June the Indian and Chinese armies engaged in a blast in Ladakh that killed 20 Indian soldiers.
China also acknowledged there were casualties on their side, but did not disclose the number.
Then in early September there was another incident, when gunfire was fired for the first time over the border in 45 years.
Also read: Taiwan Promises Closer Relations with the US, China sends 18 fighter jets
The announcement of the Rafale flight comes as military commanders of the two sides hold the final round of talks aimed at defusing tensions along the disputed Himalayan border.
It is not known exactly when the flight started, but a photographer AFP saw a Rafale jet flying over Ladakh capital Leh on Monday (21/09/2020).
The Defense Ministry said during the flight test the fighter jets “were already flying and used to our operational environment” without specifically mentioning Ladakh.
Also read: China-India Agree, Forces at the Border Must Relieve Tensions
“(The Rafale jets) have undergone intensive training integrated with other combat fleets including advanced weapons firing,” the statement added. AFP.
India admits it lags behind China and other major powers in military might.
Purchase Rafale fighter jets is one of the many things that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s country is doing to increase its military strength, backed by 1.4 million troops.
Also read: Accuses India of Shooting at Border, China Had to Respond
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