New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is capable of effectively countering any threat from China and Pakistan simultaneously in a two-front war, Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa said on Thursday, and indicated existing tension between Chinese and Indian troops in Dokalam.
Noting that the Chinese troops were present in the Chumbi Valley in the Dokalam Plateau, the IAF chief said a peaceful resolution of the issue would be in the interest of both the countries. “The two sides are not in a physical face-off as we speak. However, their forces in Chumbi Valley are still deployed and I expect them to withdraw as their exercise in the area gets over,” Dhanoa told reporters ahead of IAF Day, which is marked on October 8.
Indian and Chinese troops were locked in an over two-month-long standoff after India stopped the construction of a road by China in Dokalam.
Ready for surgical hits too: Dhanoa
On concerns over Pakistan’s tactical nuclear weapons and whether the IAF would be able to disarm Islamabad of its nuclear arsenals if necessary, Chief Marshal Dhanoa said his force had the capability of locating, fixing and striking across the border.
Asserting that the IAF was capable of a two-front war to counter China and Pakistan, he, however, said the possibility of such a scenario was “low”.
Asked whether the IAF was ready for a surgical strike across the border, he said it was ready to deal with any challenge and a call on such an operation would have to be taken by the government.
“Surgical strike is a decision that has to be taken by the government. The IAF has the capability to carry out the full spectrum of air operations,” he said.
