HYDERABAD: They might have hung their boots in their service to the nation when they touched 60 but these retired officers of the Indian Air force are still ready to serve their country. The veterans who gathered for the 84th year celebration of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on Saturday, were ready to serve the country in case a war breaks out between India and Pakistan.

India had on Wednesday conducted a cross border “surgical strike” across the Line of Control bordering Pakistan attacking terrorists.

“I have asked the Air Marshal to consider taking me back to service if the need arises,” said Krishnavataram, a retired corporal from the IAF. The ex-officer had retired from service two years ago. In the wake of what is happening, we need more young people to join the forces. We old men have the enthusiasm to fight but our age won’t allow it,” said a retired sergeant VV Basu.

The retired personnel who gathered at the College of Air Warfare (CWA) held the offensive stand of the army in positive light. “This is a good response to them, we have always been on the defensive even though we have a better army,”said Krishnavataram.

Air Marshal GP Singh valued the service of the veterans and declined to comment on the situation at the border.

Pilots who were in service too were in agreement with the stand of ‘going on the offensive’ against Pakistan. “We have  better military capabilities than them, we have enough capability to carry out the needed operations. I whole heartedly support the surgical strike,” said an air force pilot who wished not to be named.