Capable Of Locating, Fixing, And Striking Across The Border: Air Chief

Asia

The Indian Air Force has the capability of locating, fixing and striking across the border, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa today said.

"We are ready for full spectrum operation. Any decision on surgical strike involving the Air Force has to be taken by the government," said the Air Chief, addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day.

"We are ready to take on any challenge," he added.

He had been asked about Pakistan's recent boast of short-range nuclear weapons to counter India's "cold start doctrine".

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa also said the Air Force is capable of countering China and is ready to take on the challenge of a two-front war. "Our capabilities against China are adequate," he said.

Referring to the Doklam standoff, the Air chief said Chinese forces are still present in Tibet's Chumbi Valley and have not withdrawn completely.

"We expect them to withdraw," he said.

The Chumbi Valley is north of Doklam, where Indian and Chinese troops were locked in a lengthy standoff after India sent troops to stop China building a road. Doklam is remote, uninhabited territory claimed by both China and India's ally Bhutan.

Army chief General Bipin Rawat had said last month that the country should be prepared for a two-front war, stressing that China had started "flexing its muscles" and there seemed to be no scope for reconciliation with Pakistan, whose military and polity saw India as the adversary.

The Air Chief also said the Air Force would achieve its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons by 2032.

Source: ndtv