15 Noteworthy Things IAF Chief ACM Dhanoa Said At VIF

This past Thursday, Air Chief Marshal (ACM), B.S Dhanoa, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Indian Air force (IAF), while speaking at the Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF) made a number of interesting statements with respect to India’s military position in the Indo-Pacific Region and its deterrence paradigm. Here are 15 things of note that he said:

•  “We (India) need to build conventional deterrence capabilities to change behaviour of Pakistan.”

• “The IAF provides regional security in the form of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in the Indo-Pacific region”

• “The IAF is the largest air force amongst Asian democracies.”

• “The IAF has the ability to fight a short swift war tomorrow.”

• “India needs to work on deterrence in the sub-conventional domain to thwart terrorist attacks originating from Pakistan.”

• “Pakistan will continue to back and support attacks on our military bases and targets.”

• “We have undertaken a comprehensive upgrade of security at all bases.”

• “Indigenization is an important aspect to enhance India’s middle and high end defence capabilities.”

• “We have the capability to wage a short term war tomorrow.”

• “We need to plan as per an adversary’s capability because intention will change overnight. China has developed a modern air force.”

• “It is a misconception that IAF does not need 42 squadrons. It needs 42 for full spectrum of war.”

• “There has been a significant increase in deployment of aircraft and aircrew in the Tibet Autonomous Region from other military regions.”

•  ” The F-35 is not in contention (for the new fighter procurement tender) and we are not in touch with them. The news is incorrect about us talking to them.”

• “IAF has the capability to launch from Pune and strike in the northern frontiers. We believe in one theatre, one country.”

• “The JF-17  is an aircraft of the present since it is there in large numbers. 
  The Tejas is an aircraft of the future. Depends on what we equip the Tejas with.”

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