Coimbatore: The IAF Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa addressed the media at the Sulur Air Force station in Coimbatore and responded to questions on the Balakot airstrike. "Why would Pakistan respond if we had not hit our planned targets and dropped bombs in the jungle ? If we plan to hit a target, we hit the target and we did," stated the Air Chief Marshal.
Coimbatore: The IAF Air Chief Marshal B S Dhanoa addressed the media at the Sulur Air Force station in Coimbatore and responded to questions on the Balakot airstrike. "Why would Pakistan respond if we had not hit our planned targets and dropped bombs in the jungle ? If we plan to hit a target, we hit the target and we did," stated the Air Chief Marshal.
In response to the question on the number of casualties on account of the Balakot strike, B S Dhanoa said, "We only count targets that we have hit or missed. We do not count human casualties. The Indian government will give an account on the number of casualties. IAF cannot clarify on the number. We cannot count how many people died, for it depends on how many people were there at that point of time."
The Air Chief Marshal also refuted claims that the bombs were off target . "I do not know where such reports come from. IAF reports have said differently." On the usage of MIG-21 Bison during the air strike instead of F-16 which was much more advanced, he responded, "During times of adversity, we use every possible aircraft in our inventory. All our aircrafts are capable. The MIG -21 used during the airstrike was an upgraded one and not the old one. Moreover, during a planned operation, we send our latest aircrafts but during attacks we use all our available aircrafts and they are all in perfect condition to retaliate."
Speaking on the return of Wing Commander Abhinandan, the IAF Chief said, "Abhinandan will fly again, once he is medically fit. It takes a toll physically when you eject out of an aircraft. We do not risk our fighter pilots. We want them to be ready completely and then we will take them back."
The Air Chief Marshal also announced that the Rafale jets will be inducted by September and the older aircrafts will be replaced in a phased manner.
When questioned on the recurring accidents in IAF, he said they are monitoring and analysing the issue.
He also revealed that 13% of IAF work force are women. And, provision has been given for them to extend their service after 13 years of their service period.