IAF achieved required effect by demonstrating its war preparedness after conflict in Ladakh with China: Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari

Hindan: – Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari informed about the role played by the IAF during the conflict with China in Ladakh. The Indian Air Force demonstrated its capabilities and war preparedness after the developments in eastern Ladakh last year. The expected effects of the speedy and decisive actions of the IAF were evident. After the Galwan conflict, the air force began patrolling the airspace over the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Ladakh, strongly demonstrating its might. On the occasion of the 89th founding day of the Air Force, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari reminded China of the performance of the IAF over the last year.

Chief of Air Staff Chaudhari was speaking at a function held at the Air Force base at Hindan. Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Army Staff Manoj Mukund Naravane and senior naval officials were present on occasion. The event showcased everything from Dakota and Dornier aircraft, part of the IAF fleet long ago, to the current Tejas and Rafale aircraft. The Air Force officials said that the information of the exhibition by the 75-aircraft fleet was deliberately not disclosed on the occasion of the platinum jubilee of the Indian Independence Day, as it was meant to be a surprise for everyone. On the occasion of the 89th founding day, an exhibition of the capabilities of the Air Force was held. The importance of this Air Force demonstration has increased as China has once again started aggressive activities on the LAC.

Last year, the Indian Army was involved in a conflict with China on the LAC in Ladakh. After this, the Air Force deployed its Sukhoi 30 MKI, Jaguar and Mirage 2000 aircraft in the region. The IAF started regular patrols in Ladakh as well as other parts of the LAC. This time the Air Force dominated the LAC. Moreover, Western analysts have inferred that the capability of the IAF is many times more than China in this sector.

The Air Chief Marshal said that the IAF had demonstrated its strength and capability quoting the developments over the last year. At the same time, he pointed out that the Air Force was consistently upgrading its capabilities. He also added that senior IAF officers should invest more time and effort in developing the skills of their colleagues. This will be more effective in building future leadership, said the Air Chief Marshal. At the same time, Air Chief Marshal delivered the message to his colleagues that we believe in indigenous technology and should be prepared to use out-of-the-box concepts to demonstrate skills and ingenuity for them to be used more effectively.

Chaudhari, the IAF Chief, appealed that we have to show ingenuity to devise an independent strategy, and for this, senior officers of the Air Force should develop leadership. Meanwhile, during the conflict with China in Ladakh, the responsibility of the Western Command rested with VR Chaudhari, who was the Air Marshal at that time. It is claimed that with his appointment as the Air Chief Marshal, India has delivered the right message to China.