Ghaziabad: Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, on Sunday said the Indian Air Force (IAF) is prepared to fight at any time.
“Notwithstanding the pace of ongoing acquisition, modernisation, indigenisation effort and our desire for peace, we are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise,” Dhanoa said in his address on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day at the Hindon Air Force base.
He also said that the Air Force was acquiring multi-spectrum strategic capabilities and remained committed to building a “joint manship” with the Indian Army and the Navy.
People of the country have full faith in the ability of our armed forces.
Dhanoa said security of all Air Force stations have been enhanced to combat any threat, including sub-conventional threats, after the terrorist attack on the IAF base station in Pathankot last year.
In January last year, terrorists sneaked in from across the border and attacked the air base. The attack claimed the lives of seven security personnel while four terrorists were killed.
The IAF chief also said losses during peacetime is a cause of concern.
He made the remark two days after five air force personnel and two army personnel were killed in a chopper crash in Arunachal Pradesh.
The IAF helicopter Mi-17 V5 crashed in Tawang near the India-China border on October 6.
Meanwhile, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday hailed the air warriors and extended greetings on the occasion of 85th Air Force Day.
“On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment and dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies,” Kovind tweeted.
In a tweet, Modi said: “On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors and their families. Their determination and prowess ensure that our skies are safe.”
Union Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre also greeted air warriors and their families.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is celebrating the 85th anniversary at Hindon Air Force base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district on Sunday where a series of scintillating air display will be organised.