With rapid modernization of the armed forces thereby enhancing their operational readiness, Army Chief General Manoj Pande said here on Wednesday India stands enabled not just for deterrence but also to undertake robust response if required. It was in apparent reference to China and Pakistan.
Speaking at the Brahmos User Meet, Pande said “Today the nation is at the cusp of transformational changes, we are witness to the growing stature of our country in the international environment and higher expectations from the world community. Our concurrent growth and development, and the rising aspirations of our people, all reflect the confident optimism of a rising nation”
“Due to our legacy issues of unsettled borders and related security challenges, possession of strategic deterrence instruments in our case is essential. And the three services of the defence forces as users of the Brahmos missile system, now stand enabled to not just stand deterrence but also to respond robustly when required,” the Army chief said.
Addressing the meet, IAF chief V R Chaudhari highlighted the role of BrahMos supersonic missile and said it has galvanized India’s firepower.
“As one of our most lethal air-combat assets, the BrahMos supersonic missile has really galvanized the way we will equip ourselves with precision firepower in the coming years. Seeing the conflicts that are happening across the globe the importance of precision, long-range firepower can’t be underscored,” he said.
Chaudhari said the BrahMos missile has added to the deterrence capabilities of the IAF. “The combination of BrahMos on the Sukhoi Su-30 has really given us a tremendous capability that has enhanced our firepower. It has made the deterrence value of the IAF go up by leaps and bounds,” he said.
The Air Force Chief also said “As the situation unfolded in Northern borders three years ago, we realised that the potent weapon can be used very effectively for land attacks.” He also said smaller versions of the next-generation BrahMos missiles are being developed for fitment to other combat aircraft.