Benchmark for normalisation in Ladakh would be return to status quo, says IAF chief
Benchmark for normalisation in Ladakh would be return to status quo, says IAF chief
m.u.h
04/10/2022209
From operations in Ladakh to the depleting strength of fighter fleet and the contentions subject of theatre commands, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari touched upon critical issues regarding the Indian Air Force in his annual press conference ahead of the 90th Air Force Day on October 8.
CLOSE WATCH ON CHINESE ACTIVITY ALONG LAC
IAF chief VR Chaudhari said the disengagement notwithstanding, Chinese activities along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh are being monitored.
"The benchmark for normalisation at LAC in Ladakh best option would be to return to status quo,” he said.
On instances of air violations by Chinese Air Force, Chaudhari said appropriate "non-escalatory" measures were taken and a message was sent to the neighbouring country.
“Disengagement has taken place but we keep monitoring PLA Air Force. There has been rapid infrastructure development across LAC. We continuously enhance our capabilities, increased number of radars. We are able to signal our intent by taking action.”
The CAS said the Indian side is working on confidence-building measures with China. "We ensure none of the CBMs are violated."
BRAHMOS ACCIDENTAL FIRING
Responding to a question on the accident firing of a Brahmos missile that landed in Pakistan, Chaudhari said a court of inquiry found three officers guilty of violations of SOPs and they were sacked from service.
"It wouldn't be appropriate to share the details of findings of the inquiry report. Loopholes in SOPs have been discussed at tri-service level and plugged to make sure such an incident doesn't take place again," he added.
INTEGRATED THEATRE COMMANDS
The issue of theatre commands has been a contentious one, with the Air Force expressing reservations on it. Asked about it, the IAF chief said he is not opposed to tri-services integration but reservations are related to only certain structures.
"We are not opposing integration or theatre commands. Certain reservations on structure. Structure should be future warfare oriented, include cyber and space domains. Decision-making chain should reduce. Supporting the integration process structures should be future ready,” he said.
DEPLETING FIGHTER FLEET
The Air Force is down to 30 squadrons of fighter jets from its sanctioned strength of 42. But the CAS made it clear there is no plan to reduce the figure for the sanctioned strength.
One squadron of MiG 21 Bison has recently retired, leaving the IAF with three that will be phased out in the next two to three years. Chaudhari said 5-6 squadrons of Jaguar will be phased out in 2032-33, followed by three MiG 29, and three Mirage squadrons.
AGNIVEERS IN AIR FORCE
“3000 Agniveer Vayu will be recruited in the Indian Air Force by the end of the year. Induction of female Agniveer is also planned for next year,” the Air Force chief said.
