Indian Air Force’s ‘Sarang’ Helicopter Aerobatic team performs during the 85th Indian Air Force Day celebrations at the Air Force Station, Hindon, in Ghaziabad. Tribune Photo: Manas Ranjan Bhui

Tribune News Service

Hindon (Ghaziabad), October 8

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is ready to fight at short notice, if the need arises, said the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa, here today while addressing the Air Force day parade at this air base located east of the national capital.Dhanoa said, “Notwithstanding the pace of ongoing acquisition, modernisation, indigenisation effort and our desire for peace, we are prepared to fight at a short notice should the need arise.”“On behalf of all air warriors I assure the nation of our sacred resolve in defending sovereignty of our skies,” Dhanoa said.The IAF chief also said losses during peacetime were a cause of concern. On being asked about the role of the women fighter pilots, the IAF Chief said, “The present consideration is to put them to MiG 21 Bison squadron. Our opinion is that it will sharpen their skills as the aircraft has more manual features than other sophisticated aircraft.”The three women pilots — Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth and Mohana Singh — are set to script history next month when they will fly military jets after completing a strenuous training programme.Today was the 85th Air Force Day. The IAF was established in 1932 as an auxiliary arm of the air force of the British Empire. Over the period, it has grown as one of the largest air force in the world, behind only the US, Russia and China.