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indian air force is ready to handle Naxals | IAF

The Indian Air Force is ready to tackle the Maoist menace, but is waiting for the Centre’s go-ahead. This was stated by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P.V. Naik, after reviewing the Combined Graduation Parade held here at Dundigal on Saturday.

The Air Chief Marshal said, “We are ready to tackle the Maoists but are waiting for the Central government’s nod. If the government permits us, we will go ahead with the operation.”

The Chief of Air Staff said, “We have already inducted four choppers in Jagdalpur and are taking care of casualty, evacuations, recce and other similar operations. The moment we get our orders, we will act accordingly.”

The Air Chief Marshal informed that India is procuring 126 fighter jets under the multi-purpose medium range combat aircraft programme and is in the final stage of talks with Russia. “We have finished evaluation and the matter is lying with the defence ministry now. Hopefully we should be signing the contract by July next year and it will take three years for delivery,” Air Chief Marshal Naik said.

He added that there are many other new aircraft that India is eyeing and that the Indian Air Force is expanding in a large way.

Earlier, the Air Chief Marshal reviewed the passing-out parade of 171 Flight Cadets who graduated from the Air Force Academy in Dundigal. A total of 171 flight cadets comprising 39 women flight cadets have passed out of the academy and joined the mainstream of the IAF.

Four officers from the Indian Navy and one officer from the Indian Coast Guard also received their flying brevet. Flying Officer Nandeep CS, who commanded the parade, was awarded the President’s Plaque and Chief of Air Staff ‘Sword of Honor’ for standing first in overall merit in the pilot course.