Close X
Saturday, November 23, 2024
ADVT 
India

Indian Air Force Ready For Two-front War With China, Pakistan: Air Chief BS Dhanoa

IANS, 05 Oct, 2017 04:39 PM
    The Indian Air Force is capable of effectively countering any threat from China while engaging in a two-front war also involving Pakistan, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Thursday and indicated that tension still prevailed between Chinese and Indian troops in Dokalam. 
     
    “The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over,” said Dhanoa.
     
    “We have a draft nuclear doctrine. It is answered in that — what happens when the enemy decides to use nuclear weapons on us. As far as the IAF is concerned, it has the ability to locate, fix and strike and that is not only for tactical nuclear weapons but for other targets across the border (as well),” Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said.
     
     
    On the presence of Chinese troops in the Chumbi valley, he said: “Their (Chinese) forces are still deployed in the Chumbi valley. We expect these forces to withdraw as exercises get over.”
     
     
    The valley lies east of Sikkim and was the site of the 74-day military standoff between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China at Doklam plateau. 
     
     
    On being asked about concerns over Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons and whether the IAF would be able to disarm Islamabad of its nuclear arsenals if necessary, Dhanoa said his force had the capability of locating, fixing and striking across the border.
     
     
    On whether the IAF provided any support to the Army for the surgical strike last year and during the Dokalam face-off, the IAF chief said, “Whatever was asked from the air force was provided”. He refused to share further details.
     
     
    The IAF chief, however, said no air force assets were involved during the Myanmar operation and the surgical strike across the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir last year. “The IAF is prepared to fight at a short notice in full synergy with the other two sister services should the need arise,” he said, adding that the force was in a high state of readiness to fight a war.
     
     
    About a possible confrontation with China, he said India’s air power was “adequate”. At the same time, he talked about what China could or could not do from Tibet. “Our capability is adequate,” he said. The IAF chief also spoke on a range of issues including steps being taken to enhance the strike capability of the force including the acquisition of S-400 ‘Triumf’ long-range air defence missile systems from Russia and 36 Rafale combat jets.
     
     
    He said the contract for five S-400 missile systems would be signed soon and their delivery would start two years after the deal was struck.
     
     
    The IAF chief also talked about the mid-life upgrading of Mirage 2000, Mig 29s and Jaguar fleets, adding that the IAF was working to fully achieving a network-centric operational capability.
     
     
    Dhanoa said a proposal for 83 indigenously built Light Combat Aircraft Mark I was being finalised. “These men and women under my command are confident of taking on any threat and are fully prepared to undertake the full spectrum of air operations and respond to any challenge in the most befitting manner,” said Dhanoa.
     
     
    When asked about the Army chief’s two-and-half front war comment also referring to internal security threats, Dhanoa said, “As a democracy we don’t use kinetic air power against our own people.”

    MORE India ARTICLES

    Gautam Gambhir To Fund Education Of Slain Jammu And Kashmir Police Officer's 5-Yr-Old Daughter

    Gautam Gambhir To Fund Education Of Slain Jammu And Kashmir Police Officer's 5-Yr-Old Daughter
    Zohra, who emerged as the anguished face of terror in Jammu and Kashmir after her father was killed by militants last month, today thanked the cricketer for his support."I want to thank Gautam Sir for his help," she said. 

    Gautam Gambhir To Fund Education Of Slain Jammu And Kashmir Police Officer's 5-Yr-Old Daughter

    Why No Action On Complaint Against 'Godwoman' SUKHWINDER KAUR Alias RADHE MAA, High Court Asks

    The Punjab and Haryana High Court Tuesday issued a notice against the SSP of Kapurthala district asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for failing to act on a complaint against self-styled 'godwoman' Sukhwinder Kaur alias Radhe Maa.

    Why No Action On Complaint Against 'Godwoman' SUKHWINDER KAUR Alias RADHE MAA, High Court Asks

    When ‘MAFI’ Meant Certain Rape In Dera's 'GUFA'

    When ‘MAFI’ Meant Certain Rape In Dera's 'GUFA'
    Female disciples or 'sadhvis' of the controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect were forced to seek 'mafi' (pardon) from its chief, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, at his whims and fancies. For those who did not know what 'mafi' meant, it turned to be rape by the man whom they considered their god.

    When ‘MAFI’ Meant Certain Rape In Dera's 'GUFA'

    Second Indian Student Shalini Singh Rescued From Lake In Hurricane Harvey-Hit Texas Dies

    Second Indian Student Shalini Singh Rescued From Lake In Hurricane Harvey-Hit Texas Dies
    Shalini Singh, 25, who was pursuing master’s degree in public health from the Texas A&M University, was rescued from the Lake Bryan, where she along with another Indian student Nikhil Bhatia, had gone swimming last Saturday.

    Second Indian Student Shalini Singh Rescued From Lake In Hurricane Harvey-Hit Texas Dies

    Indian Teacher-Couple Offers Super 60 For Poor Students

    Indian Teacher-Couple Offers Super 60 For Poor Students
    As India celebrates Teacher’s Day on Tuesday, the Nishulk Guidance Classes, run for the past seven years by Vinod Meena (41) and wife Seema (39) to support the poor and deprived youth of tribal areas in chasing their dreams, is a true tribute to the noble profession.

    Indian Teacher-Couple Offers Super 60 For Poor Students

    Haryana Cops Come Looking For Honeypreet Insan Along Indo-Nepal Border

    Haryana Cops Come Looking For Honeypreet Insan Along Indo-Nepal Border
    Haryana Police came looking for Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim’s close aide Honeypreet Insan in Kheri as she was suspected to have left for Nepal through the porous border.

    Haryana Cops Come Looking For Honeypreet Insan Along Indo-Nepal Border