Some random thoughts on the use of air power during any #LACFlareUp
First & foremost - PLAAF S-400 systems, deployed at around 4,500m elevation on the Tibetan plateau, will not be able to detect or engage @IAF_MCC fighters at long ranges. 1/n
First & foremost - PLAAF S-400 systems, deployed at around 4,500m elevation on the Tibetan plateau, will not be able to detect or engage @IAF_MCC fighters at long ranges. 1/n
The Brahmos-A & MBDA Storm Shadow are likely the most potent weapons in @IAF_MCC inventory. Alas! Both would be available in miniscule numbers.
Other potent weapons include Su-30MKI delivered Kh-31 and KAB-2500 LGBs 2/n
Other potent weapons include Su-30MKI delivered Kh-31 and KAB-2500 LGBs 2/n
Spice bombs will have a limited role because of terrain and release height (S-400 detection) restrictions
Precision strike weapons are likely to be used extensively for cutting of supply lines by causing landslides rather than attacking adversary encampments. 3/n
Precision strike weapons are likely to be used extensively for cutting of supply lines by causing landslides rather than attacking adversary encampments. 3/n
With supply lines cut off, helicopters are going to play a more important role in skirmishes than fighters. They will be used extensively for logistics, troop movement and combat support. The AGM-114 Hellfire could well be the most extensively used @IAF_MCC AGM. 4/n
Because of the extensive use of helicopters, MANPADs and LLQRMs like Spyder would play a more significant role than S-400 type AD systems I would be surprised, if India has not initiated additional purchase / emergency transfer of AH-64E helicopter gunships. 5/n
One reason why China may have chosen to redraw the LAC now, not later; a reason that has never found mention in TV debates, may well be the @IAF_MCC 's planned induction of the S-400. Positioned at lower altitudes, IAF S-400 would pick up PLAAF activity more efficiently. 6/n
Among other reasons, the AH-64E is lethal because of its ability to strike from beyond LOS using networked data links. The Apache can use optical sensor on a spotter UAV or carried by troop, to precisely target its Hellfire AGM. The PLA literally won't know who or what hit them!
The IA is likely to rue its lack of drones and counter drones EW equipment. PLA is reported to be using drone mounted thermal imagers to keep track of Indian soldiers. Unless MoD acquires GPS & data link jammers on a war footing, the IA could end up paying a heavy price.
Coming to the J-20 threat to IAF operations. It's unlikely that the PLAAF will deploy its J-20 fighter for cross border missions, except in an all out war. However, it could deploy them along the LAC to curb @IAF_MCC strikes and ingress (Helicoper / C-130 drops)
PLAAF J-20 stealth fighters can be detected by @IAF_MCC airborne (fighters & AWACS) & ground based radars. However, their flight path cannot be tracked with enough accuracy to engage them with radar guided missiles.
The PLAAF has limited number of op deployed J-20 stealth fighters. Operating from high altitude airbases on the Tibetan plateau, the range of these fighters would be constrained. Also, PLAAF airbases are relatively further back from the LAC as compared to @IAF_MCC bases.
Under the circumstances, it would not be possible for the PLAAF to effectively keep J-20 fighters on patrol along the very very long LAC 24/7. Since the @IAF_MCC can detect the presence of J-20 fighters, it could easily avoid running into them accidentally.
The @IAF_MCC would use gaps between J-20 patrols for its interdiction and ingress missions. Because of the distance of their operating air bases from the LAC, the J-20 fighters wouldn't be in a position to intercept IAF strikes along the LAC. So much for the J-20!
