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The Indian Air Force chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Tuesday said that the Chinese Air Force is still present on three air bases on their side of the Line of Actual Control and assured that the IAF is fully deployed and prepared.
Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day on October 8, the Air Chief Marshal said, "The situation on the Line of Actual Control is that the Chinese Air Force is still present on three air bases on their side of the LAC. We are fully deployed and prepared on our side."
On being asked about Chinese Air Force capabilities near Ladakh, he said China's capability to launch multiple high altitude missions would remain weak.
Chaudhari also said that the induction of Rafale, Apaches have significantly added to our combat potential.
He said that the IAF is in the process of new combat systems to ensure that we retain an edge over our adversaries
"The induction of Rafale, Apaches have significantly added to our combat potential. Our offensive strike capability has become even more potent with the integration of new weapons on our fleets," said IAF Chief.
The Chief of Air Staff said India is fully ready to deal with a "two-front" war scenario involving China and Pakistan and that the focus has been to enhance the IAF's overall combat capabilities.
He further added that we have hardened our networks to avoid cyber attacks. Adequate safeguards are being taken to protect our critical infrastructure.
The IAF is keen on integration amongst the Armed Forces. The joint planning and execution of operations by the three Services will result in a maximum increase in our net combat capability, he added.
Chaudhari took charge as the Chief of Air Staff from Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria on September 30, 2021.
An ace fighter pilot, he was earlier in charge of the Ladakh sector during the peak of the crisis with China.
On the ambitious theaterisation programme, he said the IAF is fully committed to it but added that discussions are required before new structures are put in place.
"Various options are being discussed among three forces," the IAF chief said.
The theatre commands are being planned to integrate capabilities of the three services and to ensure optimal utilisation of their resources.
He said the IAF's strike capability has become more potent with induction of Rafale jets and various weapons.
On the alleged rape case in Coimbatore, he said no two finger test was conducted and that disciplinary action will be taken against those found guilty in the probe into the case.
An Indian Air Force official in Coimbatore has been charged with sexual assault of a woman colleague on September 10.
The 28-year-old female Air Force officer has levelled serious charges against IAF authorities, including subjecting her to a banned finger test and also forcing her to withdraw the complaint against the accused Flight Lieutenant.