“WE ARE PREPARED TO HANDLE A TWO-FRONT CONTINGENCY”

Newly appointed AIR CHIEF MARSHAL VIVEK RAM CHAUDHARI PVSM AVSM VM ADC is confident that the Indian Air Force is ready and prepared. The ACM has an air of relaxed confidence and a complete command of the issues that confront the IAF, as it stares down the Chinese both in the Eastern and Western sectors. As he explains during the annual press conference a few days before Air Force Day (October 8), there is a paradigm change in future warfare including the non-kinetic, non-lethal challenges. IAF has its own strategy in place to have directed-energy weapons, unmanned wingman among other futuristic technologies. He is confident that of the force’s offensive strike capabilities that have become even more potent with the induction of cutting-edge weapons. Below are the highlights of the interaction and the key issues he discussed at the event.

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On the vision for the IAF’s force preparedness

The IAF is ready for any eventuality and has the potential (to face any challenge). Our focus will be on being atmanirbhar and quick induction of new logistics. Second priority is to be able to train, motivate and equip all our personnel to take on challenges of future warfare.

On the two-front war and the preparedness in Ladakh

Ladakh: We are fully prepared to deal with any situation and challenge in the region. The high altitude in the region (Ladakh) is a weak area for them (Chinese).

Two-front war: Be assured, we are capable... We are prepared in terms of training and equipment to handle a two-front scenario… The only worry is Western technology passing from Pakistan to China.

On the command structure under planning in the forces

We are hopeful that the ultimate structure that will emerge will cater for joint planning and joint operations in future. That is the key element. The strength of each service needs to be taken into account and needs to be synchronized towards the net combat capability of the nation. Doctrines of each service need to be kept in mind while reassigning the new structures. Our concerns have been taken into account and deliberations and discussions are ongoing. We are hopeful that the structures that will emerge will cater for joint planning for operational requirements.

On airfields in PoK

With regard to the airfields in Pakistan and PoK, we don’t need to be very alarmed as they are small strips capable of taking a few helicopters. The ones towards the Afghan border are probably for rescuing their own people from Afghanistan.