First time after aerial strikes on Pak terror camps, top military commanders to discuss operational readiness

For the first time after it carried out an aerial strike on Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp at Balakot in Pakistan, top commanders of the Indian Air Force will discuss the operational readiness and the future course of action at a conference likely to start on April 11.

Alongside the Air Force, the Indian Army commanders will also begin deliberations on operational deployment along the Pakistan border and the security there in the Army commanders' conference starting April 8.

"The IAF commanders including the Chief of Air Staff will discuss the security situation and the ongoing tension with the Pakistani military at the meeting," said defence sources.

More than a month after the IAF attacked targets in Pakistan's Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunwa, Pakistan has restricted its commercial flying fearing another such attack by the Indian side.

It is maintaining high alert along the border with India and its fighter jets have been carrying out extensive patrolling along their side of the border and in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

The Indian Air Force has also prepared itself for both offensive and air defence operations in the region as its frontline aircraft have been positioned in forward locations.

Meanwhile, the Army has also deployed a significant element of its Strike Corps' including the T-90 tank regiments close to the borders with Pakistan for any eventuality.

The Army has three strike corps in the 1, 2 and 21 Strike Corps whose main tasking in case of war would be to enter the enemy territory from different points.

Army's Northern Command headed by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh is playing a crucial role in taking offensive action against the Pakistani positions in the areas opposite Jammu and Kashmir.

The Western Command headed by Lt Gen Surender Singh is also in the operational readiness mode in the forward areas of Punjab and Jammu area.