Rejecting any threat from China, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) BS Dhanoa on Wednesday said that the IAF has plan to counter if anything comes from the Chinese side.
Addressing the Annual Press Conference ahead of 86th Air Force Day here, ACM Dhanoa said, “We are watching infrastructure developments in China. They have been saying that airports are coming up for regional connectivity. We have a plan to counter that. We are also developing infrastructure.”
His reaction came after a media report of Chinese turning Tibet airport into a military base.
India shares a long border of 4,057 kilometres which is termed as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) divided into three sectors viz the Northern, Middle and Eastern sectors starting from Jammu and Kashmir to the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
On ongoing political slugfest between the government and the opposition-led by Congress over acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts, the Chief said once brought to India, it will be a game-changer in the subcontinent.
He also said that both the Rafale aircraft with France and the S-400 air defence missile system deals that India will sign with Russia are like a “booster dose.”
He also added the IAF played no role in the Rafale deal and that “it was Dassault that was to select offset partner.”
On being asked about whether the IAF was consulted before going for purchase of jets in fly-away condition, the Chief said the IAF was consulted on the decision to reduce the number of jets to 36, but the final choice was made by the government.
“At the appropriate level, IAF was consulted. IAF had given some options. It is up to the government to choose,” ACM Dhanoa said.
He also justified the procurement of only two Rafale squadrons, saying there are examples of similar purchases made in the last 2-3 decades to meet the requirements of the Air Force.
“It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. Hindustan Aeronautical was involved in Transfer of Technology and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out,” he said.
Rejecting any threat from China, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal (ACM) BS Dhanoa on Wednesday said that the IAF has plan to counter if anything comes from the Chinese side.
Addressing the Annual Press Conference ahead of 86th Air Force Day here, ACM Dhanoa said, “We are watching infrastructure developments in China. They have been saying that airports are coming up for regional connectivity. We have a plan to counter that. We are also developing infrastructure.”
His reaction came after a media report of Chinese turning Tibet airport into a military base.
India shares a long border of 4,057 kilometres which is termed as the Line of Actual Control (LAC) divided into three sectors viz the Northern, Middle and Eastern sectors starting from Jammu and Kashmir to the eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh.
On ongoing political slugfest between the government and the opposition-led by Congress over acquisition of 36 Rafale fighter aircrafts, the Chief said once brought to India, it will be a game-changer in the subcontinent.
He also said that both the Rafale aircraft with France and the S-400 air defence missile system deals that India will sign with Russia are like a “booster dose.”
He also added the IAF played no role in the Rafale deal and that “it was Dassault that was to select offset partner.”
On being asked about whether the IAF was consulted before going for purchase of jets in fly-away condition, the Chief said the IAF was consulted on the decision to reduce the number of jets to 36, but the final choice was made by the government.
“At the appropriate level, IAF was consulted. IAF had given some options. It is up to the government to choose,” ACM Dhanoa said.
He also justified the procurement of only two Rafale squadrons, saying there are examples of similar purchases made in the last 2-3 decades to meet the requirements of the Air Force.
“It was decided to buy two squadrons through Government to Government, to meet up emergency requirements. Hindustan Aeronautical was involved in Transfer of Technology and licensed production. There is no question of HAL being left out,” he said.
