Hours after taking charge as the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on Monday said his force is monitoring the evolving “developments” in the region and is fully prepared to deal with any “contingency”.
The IAF chief also said induction of Rafale aircraft into the force will enhance combat capabilities of IAF over India’s adversaries.
#Rafale jets will greatly enhance the capabilities of the #IndianAirForce (IAF) and will give the IAF an edge over Pakistan and China, new IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal #RKSBhadauria said on Monday.https://t.co/3YOl1eldHM
— ET Defence (@ETDefence) September 30, 2019
“We are monitoring the developments and I reassure the country that we are ready to deal with any situation where our services are required by the nation. We are always vigilant and are fully prepared to deal with any contingency,” Bhadauria revealed.
In response to a question of Pakistan reactivating the alleged Jaish-e-Mohammad “terror camps that were destroyed” in the botched Balakot airstrikes in February, the newly appointed IAF Chief alleged, “We are aware of the reports and we will take the necessary action as and when required.”
He said that the former IAF chief, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa was “instrumental in planning and executing a successful strike against the terrorist camp near Balakot”. The new IAF Chief believes that the IAF’s acquisition of the “Rafale fighter jets will be a game-changer for the Air Force”, and would India an “edge over Pakistan and China.”
He said, “My first priority is the modernization and indigenous capability in view of all budget constraints. Rafale will be a game-changer in our operational capability. It will give India an edge over Pakistan and China.”
Responding to a question on Prime Minister Imran Khan’s warning to the international community over the threat of a possible nuclear confrontation, Bhadauria said, “That is their understanding of nuclear aspects. We have our own understanding, our own analysis. We will be ready to face any challenge.”