NEW DELHI, Dec 22: The “critical deficiencies” of the Indian Air Force like shortage of fighter squadrons and force multipliers must be addressed on priority so that the force retains its combat edge, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari said today, amid mounting concerns over China boosting its air power at a rapid pace.
In an address at a seminar, the Chief of the Air Staff said India’s neighbourhood continues to remain volatile and uncertain and that the country must enhance its collective strength by partnering with nations which share common beliefs and values.
The comments by Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari came amid fresh tensions between India and China following a clash between their armies in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9 that was triggered by Chinese PLA’s attempt to change the status quo in the Yangtse area.
There have been reports of China significantly modernising its air force and strengthening deployments of its air assets at major air bases close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
“There are certain critical deficiencies like shortage of fighter squadrons and force multipliers which must be addressed on priority to retain our combat edge,” he said addressing the 19th Subroto Mukherjee seminar on the subject ‘India’s Eminence in the Emerging World Order’.
The Chief of Air Staff also asserted that there can be no soft power without adequate and credible hard power. “Only when our borders, airspace and coasts are secure will India flourish.”
Delving into the evolving regional security matrix including the situation in Indo-Pacific, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said the “IAF will be expected to contribute across the full spectrum of conflict. Air power has the capability to deter, defend and if required punish the adversary in a conflict.”
The number of fighter squadrons of the IAF is going down as several of them have been phased out in recent years while a number of others are due for number-plating (retirement) in the next few years that include the Jaguar fleet.
At present, the IAF has around 31 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned strength 42 fighter squadrons. Each squadron comprises around 18 jets.(PTI)
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