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IAF uses 'most advanced aircraft', takes no chances

Amberish K Diwanji in New Delhi

The Indian Air Force is using MiG-29 aircraft in today's air strikes against Pakistani infiltrators in the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir, it is learnt.

However, the IAF has refused to confirm the type of aircraft used in the operations nor the number of sorties flown to bomb the militants who are holding mountain heights across the Line of Control, which separates India and Pakistan in Kashmir.

The use of one of this most advanced aircraft -- the MiG-29, a striker-bomber -- indicates that the IAF might have been anticipating an enemy response and hence did not wish to take any chances. Helicopters also took part in the operation.

The IAF claimed that an India surveillance aircraft was attacked despite prior notice to Pakistan about the flight, forcing the IAF to use striker aircraft.

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