IAF is prepared to deal with any two-front threat scenario; keen on armed forces’ integration: Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari
The inducted of Rafale fighter jets and the Apache attack helicopters have definitely bolstered the Indian Air Force’s combat potential and made it even more potent, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion of the 89th anniversary of the IAF, Chaudhari said, “The induction of Rafale, Apaches have significantly added to our combat potential. Our offensive strike capability has become even more potent with the integration of new weapons on our fleets.”
The IAF Chief said that the air warriors are keen on integrating with the other wings of the military to further enhance the defence capability of India.
“The IAF is keen on integration among the Armed Forces. The joint planning and execution of operations by the three Services will result in a maximum increase in our net combat capability,” the newly-appointed Air Chief Marshal said.
“As an air force, we are fully committed to the integration and joint-manship. The points articulated by my predecessor stressed that structures and processes should cater for future warfare. Strength of each force should be taken into count. Deliberations and discussions are going on in this regard. We are hopeful the ultimate structure that will emerge will cater for jointly planning for operations at all levels,” he said.
Chaudhari also stated that the IAF has “hardened our networks to avoid cyber-attacks, and adequate safeguards are being taken to protect our critical infrastructure”.
On LAC, China and Pakistan
“China continues deployment at three airbases in Tibet region. The situation on the Line of Actual Control is that the Chinese Air Force is still present on three air bases on their side of the LAC. We are fully deployed and prepared on our side,” Chaudhari informed.
When asked about the Chinese Air Force’s competence in Ladakh, he said that China’s capability to launch multiple high altitude missions would remain weak.
“With regard to airfields in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, we don’t need to be much alarmed as they are small strips capable of taking on a few helicopters. The one towards the Afghan border is probably for rescuing their own people from Afghanistan,” he said.
Commenting on the China-Pakistan partnership and the possibility of a two-front war, the IAF Chief said that there is “nothing to fear from this partnership”, barring from the issue of “western technology passing from Pakistan to China”.
Fleet enhancement plans
India would have around 35 fighter squadrons by the next decade in view of the phasing out of old aircraft and induction of new aircraft, IAF Chief said
“We are making efforts to work on indigenous anti-drone capability for a long time. We are giving benefit to startups to design and develop counter UAS system for Air Force. We are on the verge of getting 6 Light Utility Helicopters from the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL),” he added.
He further informed that the IAF will soon give out contracts to startups to develop swarm drones for the Air Force based on the competition.
“Our 5th Generation fighter aircraft requirement would be met by the AMCA (indigenous fifth-generation aircraft) being developed by the DRDO and would match the capability across the border,” Chaudhari said.
Touching down upon the repeated MiG-21 mishaps, the IAF Chief said that the country currently has four squadrons of the fighter aircraft and “the drawdown will happen in the next three to four years”.
“The fact that we have had a large number of accidents on the MiG-21 fleet is not deniable. But data also shows that there has been a reduction in the no. of accidents in this fleet. Let me assure you that every aircraft that flies goes through all checks rigorously,” he said.
