By IANS,
Bangalore : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has secured the country’s airspace to thwart any possible terror attack with an aerial cover in place, Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major said Saturday.
“We got all measures in place as far as aerial cover is concerned within the country. Air defence measures are in place, which would be put into effect as and when required,” Major told IANS on the sidelines of an air force function here.
Following the use of sea route for the Mumbai terror attack Nov 26 and land routes in earlier terror strikes, the IAF has made fool-proof arrangements to fortify airspace by strengthening its operational bases across the country and positioning its aircraft for quick response.
“We have taken precautions to ensure no intrusion takes place in our airspace. We are in a state of preparedness to prevent any threat to the country from air, sea or land. The armed forces are prepared for any eventuality,” Major asserted.
The air chief declined to comment on the possibility of a war with Pakistan as, he said, “such matters” are best decided by the government though the armed forces including the IAF are fully prepared.
“The armed forces only execute the will of the government. We do not go to war on our own. There is a political leadership. It is for the political establishment to decide on such matters though we are always in a state of preparedness,” Major affirmed.
The chief of air staff was in the aerospace hub to deliver the annual Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre memorial lecture, organised by the Air Force Association of Karnataka branch in association with the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) and Aeronautical Society of India, Bangalore branch.