NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force chief VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said that India is prepared to deal with any two-front threat scenario, referring to the danger posed by China and Pakistan along its borders.
Addressing the media on the 89th anniversary of the force, the Air Chief Marshal said the Chinese air force is present across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) but India too is fully prepared.
“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,” he said.
He said that while India’s strike capability along the LAC has been bolstered with the induction of Rafale fighter jets, China’s ability to launch multiple high altitude missions is weak.
He added that the IAF is in the process of acquiring new combat systems to 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,” he said.
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.
(With inputs from agencies)