Hindon: The strategic relevance of the Balakot strike reflected the resolve of the political leadership to punish the perpetrators of terrorism and this has been a major shift in the government’s way of handling terrorist attacks, Indian Air Force chief R K S Bhadauria said on Tuesday.
In his Air Force Day message, Bhadauria, who took charge as the Chief of Air Staff a little more than a week ago, said to ensure operational success in all future operations, the IAF must maintain a high serviceability of combat equipment and exceptional training standards.
“The strategic relevance of this is the resolve of the political leadership to punish the perpetrators of terrorism and the capability of the IAF to execute a strike inside Pakistan. This has been a major shift in the government’s way of handling terrorists attacks,” Bhadauria said in a written message on the 87th anniversary of the Indian Air Force.
In a separate address at the Hindon Air Base, he also pointed out that the geo-political environment has been rapidly changing and uncertainties have created numerous challenges to national security.
“It is extremely important that we are always vigilant and alert to the existing sub-conventional threat. In the year gone by, the IAF has demonstrated its resolve and capability in punishing the perpetrators of terrorism and we need to be ever prepared to meet any contingency that challenges the defence of our country,” the Air Force chief said, referring to the Balakot strikes.
Post the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed 40 CRPF personnel, the IAF launched air strikes on terror camps at Balakot in Pakistan.
Bhadauria said the IAF also acknowledges the contributions of all personnel of commands, stations and units who silently and professionally contributed to the success of the air strikes on the terrorist camps at Balakot earlier this year.
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Please remember Abinandan’s Mig was shot down because the electronics were not up to date and were jammed by Pakistan fighters. If he had the message received no way he would have been shot down. I bet India had learnt painful lesson. That’s why India is upbeat about Rafael jets.
Worried about our preparedness, inspite of knowing that PAF would strike back after Balakot .Letting them to go back needs to be introspected, we could not cause a real damage to them except for the controversial F16 shoot down. Need a strong defence, enemy if enters our territory be it an aircraft or Drone should not go back. Such should be our strategy
Another 36 Rafael’s
Will be ideal for India put on western front
Air superiority strike force will be supportive IAF enough time to update to move to 5Th make in India
6th generations fighters and cost will come Down on defense spendings future for India