‘Of Course Rafale Jets Have Caused Worries In Chinese Camp’: IAF Chief RKS Bhadauria

Indian Air Force RKS Bhadauria has assured that India’s Rafale aircrafts has triggered concerns in the Chinese camp, Mint reports. However, he cautioned that the Indian contingent is equally aware of the northern neighbour’s actions and capabilities.

“They had brought their J-20 fighter aircraft (to areas close to Eastern Ladakh) and they go off from there but that is the flexibility of airpower. The moment Indian Rafales were brought in, their J-20 was there. We know their actions and capabilities,” the Air Chief Marshal was quoted by ANI.

He further apprised that talks between the sides are ongoing across the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The IAF chief expressed that it will be good if de-escalation and disengagement begins. He mentioned that everything depends on the talks and naturally a lot of attention is being put to that. “If it doesn’t happen or some new situation happens, we're fully prepared,” Bhadauria quipped.

He explained that there have been some pullbacks in terms of air deployments and alterations in the stationing on the Chinese side over time.

However, they have also contrastingly additionally strengthened the capabilities of their air defence and that deployments haven’t been cut down on that front. As of now, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has 11 Rafale jets and the arrival of the 25 more aircrafts from the secured procurement are keenly anticipated too.