NEW DELHI: Indian Air Force is geared up for the long haul in the ongoing military confrontation with China, having already forward deployed fighters, helicopters and missile squadrons in Ladakh and elsewhere, even as it prepares to induct the first five omni-role Rafale jets later this month.
Ahead of the three twin-seat and two single-seat Rafales touching down at the Ambala airbase on July 29, IAF brass will brainstorm on the operational situation along the 3,488-km Line of Actual Control, faster induction of the French-origin fighters and the “roadmap for the future” this week.
Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria will chair the commanders’ conference with chiefs of the seven IAF commands on July 22-23. “Much like the Army, IAF is also preparing for the months ahead. There is some disengagement between Indian and