Ladakh: China sent fighter jet close to LAC friction point; here's how Indian Air Force responded

In a fresh provocation by China, a Chinese fighter jet reportedly flew close to a friction point at the disputed border in Ladakh. When the Chinese aircraft was detected, the Indian Air Force activated its weapons as per standard operation procedure.

The incident took place along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the last week of June, according to news agency ANI. Indian radars placed along the border detected the fighter jet at around 4 am. It was also spotted by people on the ground.

China is currently holding military exercises in areas near the Ladakh border, according to sources quoted by ANI. The air defence exercises include combat aircraft and the Russian S-400 missile system.

Clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in 2020 had occurred when similar Chinese military exercises had been underway in the area, as per ANI. Beijing had diverted troops towards Indian positions, escalating tension, which also led to the Galwan clash in which 20 Indian soldiers and many Chinese soldiers died.

The latest fighter jet incident was taken up by the Indian side with Chinese counterparts via established mechanisms.