LEH: Amid border tensions with China, Indian Air Force IAF pilots deployed near the Royal Line of Control say the force is adequately prepared to deal with any situation and equipped to deal with any threat.
The ANI team visited Leh Air Base and saw a flurry of activity as winter approached. Transport planes flew at regular intervals to secure supplies and equipment for the troops on the higher reaches during the winter months. The roar of the fighter jets could be heard from a distance and evoked a sense of comfort about the IAF’s level of preparations.
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There were sorties from the C-17 Globemaster, Ilyushin-76 and Antonio-32 transport along with Apache and Chinook heavy lift helicopters. The MIG-29s also conducted sorties from the base.
When asked how the Air Force maintained an advantage over its adversaries from both the west and the north in the region, a flight lieutenant, who flies as a MiG-29 fighter pilot, said the IAF was well prepared for any eventuality.
“The Indian Air Force is adequately equipped and prepared to deal with any threat. The personnel are motivated and well trained,” he said.
Another flight lieutenant, who operates the cheetah helicopters in the region, said they are well positioned to take on adversaries.
“Our deployments in the assessed area are complete and the winter challenges are being addressed. We have properly assessed the adversary and have the necessary plans in place,” he said.
The winter months will pose new challenges in terms of snowfall and low visibility, and the IAF is up for the challenges.
“Due to the change in the climate, the challenges are increasing. The morale of the fighter jets is high and the availability of advanced equipment allows them to face any enemy,” group captain A Rathi, director of operations of the group, told ANI. IAF, LEH Air Force Base. .
The chief of the Air Force, Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria, has pointed to the rapid deployment of the force along the India-China border after tensions rose dramatically in May and said the force had clearly demonstrated its “determination, operational ability and willingness” to deal with any challenge posed by India’s adversaries.
The IAF chief, who addressed the 89th IAF Raise Day in Hindon Air Force Station, had also praised all the warriors for their quick response.
“In the recent standoff on our northern borders, we deployed our combat assets on short notice to handle any eventuality and proactively support all deployment and sustainment requirements of the Indian Army. We have clearly demonstrated our determination and operational capabilities, and the will to engage effectively with the adversary, should the need arise, “he had said.
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