Air Chief BS Dhanoa on Sunday that said the Indian Air Force has complete preparedness even as it can fight a full-fledged war at a short notice.

“We are prepared to fight at a short notice if the need arises,” Dhanoa said at the celebrations of the 85th Air Force Day organised at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad (UP).

Dhanoa also said that the Air Force is increasingly working towards achieving a network-centric warfare. Post the Pathankot air base attack, the Air Force is implementing an Integrated Perimeter Security System.

He, however, also hinted at the fact that the it will be better for the force if the government expedites the process of procuring the single-engine fighter jets as planned under the ‘Make in India’ programme.

The government has plans to purchase around 120 warplanes to address the issue of depleting squadrons in the Air Force in a deal worth $12 billion.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday, Dhanoa had said that the IAF is prepared with a ‘Plan B’ to answer any threats arising from neighbouring China while it can also fight Pakistan thereby effectively fighting a two-front war.

Dhanoa had also hinted at the fact that post the Doklam standoff between India and China, the Chinese forces are still present at the Chumbi Valley in Tibet.

He had also claimed that the Indian Air Force has the ability to “locate, fix and strike targets across the border''.

This year the Air Force Day is being celebrated in the backdrop of a tragic helicopter crash in Arunachal Pradesh that happened on Friday in which seven military personnel were killed.

The Mi-17 V5 chopper was on an air maintenance mission. It was flying at an altitude of 17,000 feet when it crashed. Among those who died there were a Wing Commander and a Squadron Leader, the Air Force has said.

“We pay tribute to the five Indian Air Force personnel and two army personnel who died in the line of duty,” Dhanoa said.

Wishing the IAF in a tweet, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "On Air Force Day, best wishes to our courageous air warriors & their families. Their determination & prowess ensure that our skies are safe."

President Ram Nath Kovind said in a tweet” "On Air Force Day, I salute the valour, commitment & dedication of our brave air warriors. They safeguard our skies."

The event was marked with band marches, parades and Chakra formation flypast.

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