New Delhi, Nov 11:
The Indian Air Force Chief, B S Dhanoa Sunday said that there is a cause for concern over the rapid pace of modernisation and induction of new equipment in the neighbourhood, however, the IAF is ‘capable of countering them effectively.’ In an interview to PTI, the Air Chief Marshal said that the IAF is cautious and active towards the emerging threats in the Indo-Pacific re
Pace of modernisation
gion and asserted that they were prepared to deal with any challenge to safeguard India’s national security. Without naming China or Pakistan for their continued push for modernisation, Dhanoa said, “The IAF is well equipped to take on challenges across the entire range of threats that could emanate across our borders. While there is a cause for concern as regards to the rate of modernisation and induction of new equipment in our neighbourhood, the IAF is nevertheless, moving ahead with appropriate measures to cater to these new developments.” “The IAF is well equipped to take on threats which occur from across the border, be it in the realm of sub-conventional or other domains,” Air Chief Marshal added. The current challenges emanate from unresolved territorial issues, sponsored non-state actors and transnational actors who act against national interests through the global commons. The IAF is prepared 24×7 for any threat and is ready for a befitting response to any contingency with all our available assets, ACM Dhanoa said. With the IAF facing a shortage of fighter squadrons, the chief maintained that augmenting the fighter squadron is his top priority. “To achieve this, the IAF is looking at new inductions and midlife upgrades. Towards this, MiG-29, Jaguar and Mirage-2000 aircraft are being upgraded in a phased manner in order to equip them with contemporary capabilities,” he said. He also mentioned the planned induction of 83 Tejas light combat aircraft and 36 Rafale jets. “Further, case for 114 fighter aircraft is being processed under the Strategic Partnership model of DPP (Defence Procurement Procedure)-16. Other options are also being explored to build up to authorised strength at the earliest,” he added.
At present, the IAF has a total of 32 squadrons of fighter jets much below the authorised strength of 42 squadrons.
