BS Dhanoa: Rafale planes, S-400 missiles will bolster our abilities

Oct 8, Asserting that the Indian Air Force is "ever-prepared" to meet any contingency, its chief BS Dhanoa said on Monday that the induction of 36 Rafale jets and S-400 missile systems would enhance the capabilities of the force.

In the midst of occasions of air crashes, Air Marshal Dhanoa said aviation security is one region where the power needs to keep up a consistent vigil as "loss of air ship in peacetime isn't just costly, yet in addition lessens the wartime ability".

Efforts are being made to limit mischances because of human blunder by giving most ideal preparing to the air group and experts to address the difficulties of working current age contenders, as well as legacy aircraft and weapons systems.

"The IAF is ever prepared to meet any possibility that difficulties the guard of our nation. In the year passed by, IAF has kept on developing from quality to quality and accomplished various operational turning points," Dhanoa said in his location on Air Force Day here.

He said it is the obligation of the Air Force staff to remain combat worthy and maintain combat systems operational for any contingency at a short notice.

"Procurement of 36 Rafale aircraft, S-400 missiles systems, Apache assault helicopters and Chinook heavy lift helicopters would further enhance our capabilities," he said.

The ongoing induction of state-of-the-art Tejas precision weapons is a part of the IAF's bigger modernisation program, he noted.

India and Russia a week ago marked the multi-billion air rocket resistance framework bargain. The arrangement to purchase Rafale planes was marked with France in 2016.

Dhanoa had a week ago named the obtainment of the 36 Rafale planes, the arrangement which is as of now buried in discussion, and S-400 missile defence systems as the genuinely necessary "booster shots" to the Air Force.

Speaking on 'Gaganshakti', the IAF penetrate that saw an activation of 1,4000 officers and 14,000 work force, Dhanoa said it displayed the operational ability and preparation of the power.

Amid the exercise, more than 11,000 forays were flown, including roughly 9,000 sorties by fighter aircraft, he said.

Elucidating on the role of Air Force in peacetime operations, he said amid the Kerala surges this year, 23 aircraft and 25 helicopters of the IAF were pressed into the service.

The IAF also gave convenient help with battling woodland fires in Theni (Tamil Nadu), Katra (Jammu and Kashmir), Pathankot (Punjab), Kasuli (Himachal Pradesh) and even urban flames in Delhi, he noted.

"In addition, airlifting relief material to Myanmar and Indonesia, fire fighting on an Indian Merchant Ship and CASEVAC of explorers stranded at Kailash Mansarovar and Amarnath Yatra were also carried out," Dhanoa said.

The IAF, he stated, has been actively supporting the government's initiatives for growth of regional air connectivity under the 'UDAAN' scheme.

Forty-five new routes have been cleared through military airspaces while 33 defence airfields have been opened for joint use to accommodate civilian flights, he included.