IAF prepared to fight anytime: Air Force Chief

 Hindon Air Force Base, Oct 8: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa, on Sunday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) is prepared to fight at any time, and also warned of the possibility of a “short and swift” conflict in the present geo-political scerio.

“Notwithstanding the pace of ongoing acquisition, modernisation, indigenisation efforts and our desire for peace, we are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise,” Dhanoa said in his address on the occasion of the 85th Air Force Day at the Hindon Air Force base.
“It’s the duty of each one of us to remain combat worthy, whether on ground or in the air, and also maintain our combat system operatiol for any contingency at short notice.” The Air Force Chief said the IAF is confident to take on any threat and is fully prepared to undertake the full spectrum of air operations and respond to any challenge in a befitting manner. In his message on Air Force Day, published in the booklet that contained citations of those who were awarded gallantry and service medals on Sunday, Dhanoa also warned of the possibility of “short and swift” conflicts.
“The uncertainties in the present geo-political environment may require IAF to act in varied challenging situations. Our foremost responsibility is to protect our country from foreign aggression. The ture of conflict in the present geo-political environment may require us to fight a short and swift war for which we need to be alert and prepared to fight at short notice,” Dhanoa said.
“We also face with the daunting challenge of sub-conventiol threats on our assets by terrorists. To counter such threats our Coot Camp at liya and Young Officers Courses at Bhatinda and procurement of state of art equipment have bolstered the security of our bases,” he said. Asked about the Mi-17 V5 chopper crash of Friday in which five Air Force and two Army personnel were killed, Dhanoa said that the tail rotor of the helicopter appeared to have flown off. “Notwithstanding our high intensity of flying, we cannot afford to have accidents and lose valuable life and assets. (IANS)

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