Stating that having two nuclear armed nations as neighbours is a big challenge for the security establishment, he sounded a warning that not matching up to the capabilities of the adversary could be dangerous
The Chinese Air Force has been increasing is deployment in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) with an year round capability even during the winter months, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Thursday.
Stating that having two nuclear armed nations as neighbours is a big challenge for the security establishment, he sounded a warning that not matching up to the capabilities of the adversary could be dangerous. As he pointed out to China’s assertion in TAR, he said not able to stop Pakistan based terrorists from launching terror attacks on military establishments “is an indicator that our deterrence is not working,” he said.
“There has been a significant increase by China in deployment of aircraft and air crew in TAR compared to other military regions,” Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said giving a lecture at the Vivekanand Foundation in Delhi, a think tank on strategic and security issues. “Chinese Air Force is developed and relies more on quality than quantity. 50 % of their fleet comprises advanced fighters", said Dhanoa.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold an informal summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 as the two countries are putting in efforts to normalise diplomatic ties that suffered a blow after the Doklam standoff last year. A 73 day standoff between Indian and Chinese troops took place in Doklam last year.
In a candid no holds barred session, Dhanoa said the Air Force is capable of launching a short intense war any time. He took a dig at Pakistan’s repeated acts. “They will keep the pot boiling in Kashmir but will not boil out.” He also sounded a subtle warning to Pakistan, “Such attacks can have unintended consequences.”
Pointing out to the success of the recently concluded Indian Air Force exercise Gagan Shakti where capabilities were put to test on both Pakistan and China borders, he added that there should be no doubt that air force needs a full strength of 42 squadrons and said “we cannot cherry pick war strategies,” emphasising on the need to have modern aircraft. To a question that at a cost of Rafale fighter jet, 30,000 bullet proof jackets can be purchased, he had a simple answer. “Bullet proof jackets can’t take on fighter jets.”
The Indian Air Force is operating with only 33 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42, which may be further reduced to 19 by 2027 and only 16 by 2032.This means by 2032 the total number of fighter jets could be only 300. Despite the depleting numbers, the Air Force managed to shift resources from Pakistan to China borders in less than 48 hours during the massive war exercise.
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