After a gap of 12 years, the Indian Air Force has deployed Mig 29 fighters to Hindon air base near New Delhi. This is the first time since 1996 that the base has reactivated for fighter aircraft operations after it was closed due to increasing bird activity near the base. At that time, MiG 27 were stationed there.
In 2006, the Indian Air Force certified Hindon for twin engine aircraft, and hence the Mig 29’s have been deployed.
The action comes in the wake of intelligence reports warning of possible 9/11 like terror strikes. The deployment is on a “temporary basis” to tackle threat from any “rogue” aircraft.
The capital falls under the Western Air Command. Protection of New Delhi’s skies was looked after by air bases in Amabala and Bareilly.
Three aircraft from Adampur and Halwara MiG 29 air bases in Punjab are present at the base.