Doctrinal aspects of Air Force should not be compromised by new structures under theatre commands: IAF Chief

While the Indian Air Force is not opposed to the process of having theatre commands, it has “certain reservations” with respect to the structures and the doctrinal aspects of the force “should not in any way be compromised by this new structure”, said IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal, V.R. Asked about the situation along the LAC following the recent disengagement from Patrolling Point-15 in the Gogra-Hot Springs area, the Air Chief said they keep monitoring the activities of the People’s Liberation Army Air Force. “Infrastructure development continues to take place at a rapid place across the LAC particularly Eastern Ladakh sector.” To questions on increased air activity by the Chinese along the LAC, he said they continuously monitor it by enhancing their own air defence efforts there. A few months back, the Air Chief while stressing the need for an Integrated Air Defence System to fight tomorrow’s wars said that the “creation of an Air Defence Command may prove counter-productive”.