CAS flags concern on depleting fighter strength

In his interview with a leading national daily in mid-June, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, Chief of the Air Staff has stated that the shortfall in number of fighter squadrons in the IAF is a challenge to “dominating a two-front conflict” and likened this to “a cricket team playing with seven players instead of 11. ” The Chief of the Indian Air Force also said that while the IAF is ready for the use of air power against Pakistan in response to a terrorist attack, it is an option that has to be exercised by the government. The IAF’s authorised strength of 42 fighter squadrons “is the minimum strength necessary to dominate a two-front conflict”, the CAS said. The IAF currently has 32 fighter squadrons, and is tasked with tackling a two-front collusive threat from China and Pakistan.

Asked whether the IAF had given options to the government about some kind of an “aerial surgical strike” inside Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK), the Air Chief said: “The use of air power in response to heinous acts or terrorist attacks is an option that is to be taken by the government. The IAF is prepared for any eventuality. ”