New Delhi
The Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa has directed the IAF commanders to maintain a state of combat readiness for a possible 10-day war with Pakistan and a possible 15-day conflict with China. According to various reports in internet, the necessary instructions were issued during an IAF commanders’ conference held in New Delhi last week.
“Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa has directed the IAF commanders to prepare for short duration but intense wars of 10 days in case of Pakistan and 15 days with China to maintain razor-sharp operational preparedness and enhanced combat effectiveness,” Deccan Chronicle quoted from the source in its report .
The Directorate of Air Staff Inspection has been asked check the preparedness of the various operational units and to make sure both personnel and aircrafts are combat-ready with adequate stocks of weapons, missiles and alert radar systems.
Tensions with Pakistan have steadily increased with frequent encounters along the border in Jammu and Kashmir. The recent death sentencing of former Navy officer Kulbhushan Jadhav by Pakistan further damaged relations between the nations, especially since Pakistan has blocked all Indian attempts to contact Jadhav, mentioned in the reports.
China had issued a stern warning ahead of the Dalai Lama’s visit to Arunachal Pradesh that relations between the two countries may worsen. Following the visit of the spiritual leader, China expressed its unhappiness at the situation and renamed several areas of Arunachal Pradesh which the country considers to be ‘South Tibet’ and a part of Chinese territory.
