IAF can 'locate, fix and strike across the border': Dhanoa

Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa on Thursday said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has the capability to "locate, fix and strike across the border," in response to a question about handling the tactical nuclear weapons of Pakistan, at the annual press conference, ahead of the Air Force Day on October 8.

The air chief said that any decision on the surgical strike involving the IAF has to be taken by the government, adding that they are "ready to take on any challenge."

"We need 42 squadrons to carry out a full spectrum of operations in case of a two-front war. By 2032, we will meet this requirement. For now, we have a Plan B, and that is to work in synergy with two sister armed forces," he said.

"The men and women under my command are fully prepared to undertake full spectrum of air operations and respond to any challenge in a befitting manner," Dhanoa added.

He further stressed that the army is making concentrated efforts to minimise accidents and preserve their assets.

"Our losses during the peace time are a cause of concern. We are making concentrated efforts to minimise accidents and preserve our assets," Dhanoa said.

The Indian Army in September 2016 had destroyed five terror camps across the LoC. In counter-terror operations, members of the special forces from the army were also para-dropped at the spots.

Also, as per sources, eight Indian Army soldiers were killed in ceasefire violations in 2016. This loss has risen to 14 soldiers till now in 2017.

Incidents of ceasefire violation and infiltration attempts made by Pakistan more than doubled till September end of this year.

The ceasefire violations in the year 2016 were 228 and this year, it has reached to 503 attempts till date. Security analysts associate the ceasefire violations with the infiltration bids which are to ingress across the LoC.