IAF plans huge infrastructure devp in region bordering China

(IBN Live) : "Old radars are being replaced with new ones. More radars will be inducted. Keeping in mind the terrain, lots of places have been identified and a standard deployment pattern is being followed. This will ensure best possible coverage to detect any hostile threat," the Air Marshal, who will take over as the Vice Chief of Air Staff on August 1, said.Besides, the military is developing two helipads at Tawang and Walong in Arunachal Pradesh, he said.When told about reports of Chinese airplanes chasing an US spy aircraft over Taiwan recently and apprehension that there could be similar manoeuvres in Indian skies, Nohwar said, "Let me assure you, if any of our neighbours try to intrude into our air space, it will meet the same fate as that met the Atlantic in the Rann of Kutch (in 1999)." He was referring to the shooting down of a Pakistan Navy patrol aircraft 'Atlantic' by IAF MiG-21s after it failed to force it to land at an Indian base over the Rann of Kutch."Lessons learnt from the past are also taken into account while deciding on the force levels. The present force level is adequate to meet any emerging threat in future," Nohwar said."Military appreciation is done from time to time taking into account the position you are holding, the kind of terrain and the concept of operation in case of a future skirmish." Noting that the Mi21s have been phased out except for a squadron at Kalaikunda, he said, most of the semi-permanent infrastructure was being changed and developed keeping in mind the climatic conditions in the region.On the advanced landing grounds, he said, "Once these ALGs are commissioned, fixed-wing aircraft like AN 32 which can carry much larger loads than choppers can land. There will also be an opportunity for military aircraft to land there."
PTI RTJ PC