Against the backdrop of ongoing tension at the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Ladakh, IAF chief RKS Bhadauria said on Thursday his force is ready for any challenge and has “clearly” demonstrated its operational capability in prompt deployment when the stand-offs started.
Making these observations in his address to the IAF on the occasion of the 88th anniversary at the Hindon airbase, Ghaziabad, he said the actions during the last few months also showed the IAF’s resolve and will to engage with the adversary whenever the need arises.
Incidentally, addressing the annual conference ahead of the Air Force Day two days back, the IAF chief had also asserted saying “there is no question that China can get better of us” when asked about the Chinese air power.
Addressing the force on Thursday, Bhadauria also assured the nation that the force will evolve and be ever ready to safeguard the nation’s sovereignty and interests in all circumstances.
Talking about security challenges in eastern Ladakh, the Chief, who inspected the Air Force Day parade, said: “I would like to commend all warriors for the quick response, in the recent stand-off on our northern frontiers, when we deployed our combat assets at short notice to handle any eventuality, and provided proactive support to all the requirements of deployment and sustenance for the Indian Army.”
The IAF chief said the evolving threat matrix in the region is becoming complex and it mandates a greater need to have a strong air force to fight across domains and the entire spectrum of warfare. Bhadauria said disruptive technologies and easy access to low cost options like drones are increasingly demanding greater attention to the sub-conventional domain.
The recent induction of state-of-the-art Rafale, Chinook and Apache aircraft have added significantly to our combat capability over our adversaries on the battlefield, Bhadauria said. “Our offensive strike capability has been honed further, with upgradation of our aircraft with weapons and sensors, ably supported by a networked decision making matrix,” he added.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh greeted the IAF on its foundation day and said the government is committed to enhance its combat capability.
“The nation is proud of its men and women in blue and salutes the prowess of the IAF as it stands ready to face challenges and deter adversaries. We remain committed to enhancement of IAF’s combat capability through modernisation and indigenisation,” he said.
To mark the day, the IAF carried out a spectacular air display at the event showcasing its vintage aircraft and modern fleet including the newly inducted Rafale jets.