India looks to buy more fighter jets amid border tension with China

The Economic Times, India’s leading business newspaper, has reported that country’s Air Force is seeking to urgently procure 21 additional upgraded MiG-29 fighter jets from Russia and 12 new Su-30MKIs built under license by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) to add to its three squadrons of the type already in service.

“These fighters [MiG-29], which include two trainers, are expected to be procured at a reasonable price as they have already been partially manufactured in Russia for a previous order that got cancelled,” the newspaper said. “These fighters, if ordered, would come handy to replace the ageing MiG 21 squadrons that are to retire within the next five years.”

The Indian government is ready to consider this proposal of the air forces. The procurement can begin two years after the agreement with Russia is signed, sources clarified.

- ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE READING BELOW -

The decision to acquire the additional fighter jets has been taken to strengthen the air force’s reserves. The process for the acquisition of the fighters has been expedited as India and China are engaged in an intense stand-off in the Himalayas following conflict at the Pangong Tso lake.

India and China have accused each other of instigating the clash in the Galwan Valley, part of the disputed Ladakh region along the Himalayan frontier.

China claims about 90,000 square kilometres of territory in India’s northeast, while India says China occupies 38,000 square kilometres of its territory in the Aksai Chin Plateau in the Himalayas.

If you would like to show your support for what we are doing, here's where to do it.

If you wish to report grammatical or factual errors within our news articles, you can let us know by using the online feedback form.

Executive Editor

About author:

Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov
Dylan Malyasov is the editor-in-chief of Defence Blog. He is a journalist, an accredited defense advisor, and a consultant. His background as a defense advisor and consultant adds a unique perspective to his journalistic endeavors, ensuring that his reporting is well-informed and authoritative. read more

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE

TRENDING NOW

F-16s prove effective in Ukraine’s air defense, expert says

Renowned Ukrainian military expert and head of the “Come Back Alive” Foundation, Taras Chmut, has stated that F-16 fighter jets have been performing effectively...