IAF Is Ready To Take On Any Adversary ...

The massive and ongoing modernisation plan of the Indian Air Force (IAF) will entail induction of more and sophisticated fighter planes over the next few years, till the IAF reaches its sanctioned strength of 42 fighter squadrons. In a free-wheeling chat with Manish Kumar Jha , Air Chief Marshal B. S. Dhanoa talks of the firepower of the IAF.

- Manish Kumar Jha

We see emergence of warfare that is unconventional, erratic and full of hurdles. What will warfare be like in the future?

The IAF is equipped to face challenges that emanate across the entire spectrum. Modern warfare is essentially a metamorphosis of hybrid warfare. Nations go to war to further policy.

Even though it can be practised in a conventional and sub-conventional manner, war is eventually a tool to enforce political will.

What is the role of the IAF in such a scenario?

The IAF is an ardent student of modern warfare and has geared itself up both in terms of training as well as equipment across the entire spectrum.

Is the IAF in a state of preparedness even for a situation of war on two fronts?

The IAF is ready to take on any adversary with the available resources.

You visited Australia last year to promote defence ties. Do you see any progress on the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue or QUAD?

The IAF and the Australian Air Force have set course on a new journey with Exercise Pitch Black. Our experience in Exercise Pitch Black has been extremely heartening and has given our pilots good exposure to the norms and methods practised in aerial warfare by Australia and its allies. Australia is our neighbour in the Indian Ocean and we share mutual concerns on net security within the Indian Ocean region.

We are in the process of exploring areas of mutual interest in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the Air Forces in a cogent and comprehensive manner.

How do you assess the strength of the IAF fleet, which has fighter planes that range from extremely old fighter aircraft on their way to retirement like the MiG 21 to cutting edge and expensive multi-role aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, Tejas and shortly, Rafale?