IAF chief warns Pak: Can locate, fix, strike targets

Air Chief Marshal says force prepared to carry out ‘full spectrum’ of air ops, ready for twofront war

Air force chief BS Dhanoa warned Pakistan on Thursday that India has the capability to “locate, fix and strike” targets across the border.

Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa’s comments came in response to a question on the possibility of Pakistan using tactical nuclear weapons against India.

He said India’s options were outlined in its nuclear doctrine.

“It is answered in that … what happens when the enemy decides to use nuclear weapons on us. As far as the IAF is concerned, it has the ability to locate, fix and strike and that is not only for tactical nuclear weapons but also for other targets across the border.”

Pakistan should not be expected to exercise restraint if India strikes its nuclear installations, the country’s foreign min- ister, Khawaja Asif, said in response to the Indian air chief’s warning.

“That’s the most diplomatic language I can use,” Asif said at an event in Washington DC.

Pakistan has the world’s fastest-growing nuclear arsenal but its safety has been a cause of global anxiety. More so for New Delhi after premier Shahid Khaqan Abbasi declared in September that his country has developed short-range nuclear weapons to counter threats from India.

Dhanoa was speaking to reporters at his customary press conference ahead of the India Air Force’s 85th anniversary on October 8.

He said IAF assets weren’t used during the military “surgical strikes” on militant camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir or in Myanmar last year, but the air force is capable of “full spectrum operations”.

The IAF is prepared to fight at a short notice in full synergy with the other two sister services should the need arise AIR CHIEF MARSHAL BIRENDER SINGH DHANOA