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.”
