IAF Chief Visits Forward Areas In Ladakh Amid Border Tensions With China, Reviews Preparedness

The visit assumes significance as it comes amid tensions over build-up by the Chinese across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

Air Chief Marshal Vivek Ram Chaudhary. (File Photo)

New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari, is visiting the forward areas in Ladakh that fall along the China border to review the operational preparedness of the troops deployed there.

The visit assumes significance as it comes amid tensions over build-up by the Chinese across the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

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“The Air Force Chief arrived at the Leh airbase on Saturday morning and would be meeting with the Indian Air Force personnel and Special Forces deployed in the forward areas near the Line of Actual Control,” ANI quoted government sources as saying.

Sources said this is Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari’s first visit to the forward areas after taking over as the Chief of Air Staff earlier on October 1.

With the Chinese Air Force having issues in launching operations from their high altitude air bases in Ngari Gunsa, Kashgar and Hotan besides other areas in the region, the Indian Air Force has an edge and can launch from multiple airbases near the Ladakh area and reach locations faster than their fighter aircraft.

Sources added the majority of the present preparation of the Chinese military across the LAC in the Tibetan Autonomous Region is to tackle the Indian Air Force only, ANI reported.

Earlier on October 5, the Chief of Air Staff had said that India is ready to deal with “any two-front threat scenario”.

Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said China continues deployment at three air bases in the Tibet region while Indian is fully prepared to “deal with any situation”.   

“The situation on the Line of Actual Control is that the Chinese Air Force is still present on three air bases on their side of the LAC. We are fully deployed and prepared on our side,” he added.

When asked about the Chinese Air Force capabilities near Ladakh, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said “China's capability to launch multiple high altitude missions would remain weak”.

“China has enhanced infrastructure but it is not going to affect India's operational preparedness,” Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari said.

“Our strike capability has become more potent with the induction of Rafale jets and various weapons,” he added.