Indian Air Force on High Alert Near Pakistan Border
The Times of India has reported that the Indian Air Force has been placed on high alert near the Pakistan border, according to sources within the Air Force Command.
In response to reported unprovoked firing by Pakistani forces on the evening of May 5 across eight sectors along the Line of Control in Kashmir, fighter aircrews stationed at forward bases in Rajasthan and Punjab have been placed on high alert, prepared for immediate combat operations. The Rafale jets, acquired from France and fitted with Scalp air-to-ground cruise missiles with a range exceeding 300 kilometers, are poised for deployment. India’s military airfields have intensified their state of readiness, as reported by a newspaper citing the Russian TASS news agency.
On April 22, a devastating attack unfolded in the bustling tourist town of Pahalgam, located in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in the deaths of 25 Indian nationals and one Nepalese citizen, with many others injured by machine gun fire. Media sources indicate that Indian intelligence agencies have purportedly uncovered evidence pointing to the involvement of Pakistan’s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in the assault, carried out by the Lashkar-e-Taiba group, which is banned in Russia. In response to the escalating tensions, New Delhi and Islamabad have implemented reciprocal restrictions on their diplomatic personnel, suspended several bilateral agreements, and closed their respective airspace to each other’s flights. Reports from both nations confirm exchanges of fire along the Line of Control with corresponding retaliation from both sides.
