IAF can deliver desired punch in a very short time frame: CAS VR Chaudhari

New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff Air (CAS) Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari has said that India should comprehend the situation along its unsettled western and northern borders as a 'two-front' contingency and prepare for it accordingly. In an exclusive interview with PTI, the CAS VR Chaudhari said India could be attacked on all fronts, starting from military standoffs to information manipulation and blackouts in the future and its security doctrines and capabilities will have to cater to such possibilities.

On the question about China's rapid deployment of its air assets along the LAC in eastern Ladakh amid the lingering border standoff, he said the "IAF can deliver the desired punch when required within a very short time frame." Listing the rapid geopolitical upheavals, the Chief of Air Staff noted that any future conflict will require the integration of all elements of the national security apparatus to make it an "All-of-Nation-Approach".

CAS VR Chaudhari further added, "We have certain challenges on our western and northern borders, primarily due to unsettled borders. It would be prudent for us to comprehend our situation as a 'two-front' contingency' and prepare for it accordingly."

The Air Chief Marshal said that India's military operational plans, capability enhancement and training should always cater for a wide spectrum of threats emanating from either or both fronts.

Several top military officials including India's first Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat and former Army Chief Gen MM Naravane had flagged concerns about the possibility of a coordinated threat along the northern and western fronts. But it is for the first time that a serving chief has called for a detailed plan to deal with such a threat.

"We are also cognizant of the need to be prepared for an event-based short-duration operation which necessitates quick planning, rapid deployment of assets and swift action," CAS VR Chaudhari said.

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