Encounter between Chinese and Indian fighters at disputed border
Staff Reporter 2012-12-01 13:44
A Chinese Su-27 fighter (Internet photo)
An encounter involving two Chinese Su-27 fighters and Indian air force jets occurred at the disputed border area of Arunachal Pradesh on Nov. 30, reports the Mail Today based in Delhi.
When a group of Indian fighters were picked up by the 42nd Radar Regiment of the PLA Air Force near the Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh, two Chinese Su-27s took off to tracks their movement at 3:04 pm. 25 minutes after their takeoff, the two Chinese fighters were detected by Indian radar near Cuona. After a tense period of close to an hour, the Chinese fighters recognized that the Indian aircraft did not intend to encroach on Chinese airspace and turned back at a location 30 kilometers away from the Line of Actual Control.
A similar encounter took place in the border area on Nov. 9, when Indian radar twice lost track of a Chinese Su-27 fighter, briefly causing concern. An Indian fighter also dropped off the radar.
With 1,600 aircraft, the PLA Air Force is considered by India as its greatest threat in the region. The Chinese air force as five bases close to the border with India in Gonggar, Pangta Linchi, Hoping and Gar Gunsa.
A report from Delhi-based India Herald on Nov. 29 said the Indian military is keeping a close eye on the development of China's air force.
