FLAIR POWER

The IAF’s superior fleet, experienced pilots and integrated defence systems give it an edge over the Chinese air force

- PRADIP R. SAGAR

Early this year, when satellite images showed two Chinese J-20 stealth fighters parked in Hotan airfield in China’s restive Xinjiang region, a senior Indian Air Force officer said, “Relax, China would never want an aerial skirmish with India, as it could expose its ‘hyped-up capabilities.”

When it comes to airpower, India is hard to beat, says key IAF men. Air Chief Marshal (retd) B.S. Dhanoa, known as the architect of the Balakot strikes, says India’s adversaries would think twice before starting a war as the IAF holds a major edge in the region.

The reason behind the swagger: the IAF has acquired some of the world’s best aircraft in less than 12 months. Thanks to Dassault’s Rafale jets (two squadrons raised), Boeing’s Apache and Chinook helicopters and a modern fleet of transport aircraft, it has become a reliably mighty force. India has also integrated its formidable missile arsenal with the IAF fleet.

As the 15-month-long border tensions between India and China begin to ease, experts say the IAF’s show of power prevented any Chinese misadventure. Unlike 1962, when airpower was not used, IAF fighters and attack helicopters had made their presence known during the Ladakh standoff. The new acquisitions and upgrades of existing capabilities have given the IAF the visible ability to strike deep even in contested airspace. “It’s good that we are getting the best available aircraft in the world,” said a former air chief. “It gives a technological advantage over our immediate neighbours. But, I believe we need more numbers.”