China still present across LAC; we are fully deployed, prepared: IAF chief informs

New Delhi, Oct 5: Making his first appearance as he Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has assured that IAF is on high alert along Line of Actual Control as the Chinese Air Force is still present in the region. The IAF chief on Tuesday said that China is still present on three air bases on their side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and assured that the IAF is fully deployed and prepared.

 

 

Addressing the media on the 89th anniversary of the force, the Air Chief Marshal said, "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."

 

 

On being asked about Chinese Air Force capabilities near Ladakh, he said China's capability to launch multiple high altitude missions would remain weak. He also said that the induction of Rafale, Apaches have significantly added to our combat potential. He said that the IAF is in the process of new combat systems to ensure that we retain an edge over our adversaries.

 

"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," said IAF Chief. He further added that we have hardened our networks to avoid cyber attacks. Adequate safeguards are being taken to protect our critical infrastructure.

 

 

"We would be around 35 fighter squadrons by the next decade in view of the phasing out of old aircraft and induction of new aircraft," he said. Speaking on the drone attack in Jammu, he said, "We are making efforts to work on indigenous Anti-drone capability for a long time. We are giving benefit to startups to design & develop counter UAS system for Air Force."

 

Further, he added, "With regard to airfields in Pakistan and PoK, 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".

 

 

IAF is keen on integration amongst 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, he added.

 

Chaudhari took charge as the Chief of Air Staff from Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on September 30, 2021. An ace fighter pilot, he was earlier in charge of the Ladakh sector during the peak of the crisis with China.