‘India won’t be able to stop all missile attacks like Israel’ : Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh
New Delhi – Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh, stated that if India were to face a missile attack similar to Israel, it would be challenging to intercept all the missiles due to the vast size of the country in comparison to Israel. Speaking at a press conference held in honour of the 92nd Air Force Day, he expressed optimism about the imminent delivery of two additional S-400 air defence systems from Russia. These systems, purchased by India, are designed to intercept and destroy incoming missiles mid-air, enhancing the nation’s defensive capabilities.
India yet to have advanced air defence systems like Israel’s Iron Dome: Air Chief Marshal AP Singh
‘I will not say where and whom we can attack!’
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Continued tension with China
Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh acknowledged that there has been no significant change along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China in Eastern Ladakh, yet tensions between the two countries remain high. He highlighted that China is rapidly enhancing its border infrastructure, which presents a challenge for India. In response, India is also ramping up its infrastructure, including building more advanced landing grounds and new airports in Eastern Ladakh, to match the adversary’s capabilities and ensure preparedness.
Will not disclose where and whom we can target
When asked why India is not targeting terrorists in Pakistan in the same way Israel eliminated Hezbollah’s leader in Lebanon, Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh responded, “We have already done it in Balakot.” He further emphasised, “I will not disclose where and whom we can target.”
Air Force needs fighter planes
Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh highlighted that maintaining the strength of fighter jets is a significant challenge for the Indian Air Force (IAF), which is currently facing a shortage. The IAF presently operates 31 squadrons (each consisting of 12 to 14 aircraft), but many of these jets will be phased out over the next 15 years. India requires at least 42 squadrons for optimal defence capabilities. The MiG-21 Bison will be retired by 2025, and the MiG-29 squadrons by 2035. Similarly, the French Mirage-2000 jets, which played a key role in the 2019 Balakot airstrike, will also be retired by 2035. The Air Chief emphasized the urgent need for new aircraft, stressing that they should be produced domestically under India’s push for indigenous defence manufacturing. He stated that the Air Force has clearly outlined its requirements and is now awaiting the government’s response to address this critical defence need.