NEW DELHI: A day after Chinese foreign office reacted sharply on trial of nuclear capable Agni V intercontinental ballistic missile, Outgoing IAF chief Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha said India believes in peace and tranquility with neighbours but historically we have been drawn into conflicts.
Without naming China, Air Chief Marshal Raha said,"we have to develop capabilities to deter if adversaries strong. We have to strike deep into adversaries heart of the enemy ". Hinting about China, IAF chief said the country has progressed and has lot of money, which it is spending on research and development on defence preparedness.
Simultaneously, We are built up our capability from to sea air. Raising of mountain strike corps by army to developing advanced landing grounds in Arunachal Pradesh, he said
Indian forces are developing its striking capabilities at the border. Even MEA on Tuesday late evening reacting to China's criticism on fourth successful test of over 5000 Km long intercontinental ballistic missile that can carry nuclear warhead of 1.5 tons. "India's strategic capabilities are not targeted against any particular country. India abides by all the applicable international obligations and hopes that all other do the same." MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said. He also maintained India's strategic autonomy and growing engagement contributes to strategic stability.
In his last media briefing, Raha said that Pathankot was the first setback for him. "we have learnt lessons and are better prepared now,"And, his second setback was the AN32 disappearance."Despite over 300 air sorties with 1000 plus hours of flying, we are failed to trace, he added.
He also said that IAF had done reasonably well in looking after the sub-conventional threat like terrorism & other conventional threat.