IAF's air superiority intact: Air Marshal Mehra

Ahmedabad, Nov 3 (UNI) Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief South Western Air Command Air Marshal P K Mehra today said the US decision to supply F-16 fighter aircraft to Pakistan will not affect the Indian Air Force air superiority.

Air Marshal Mehra said the IAF is also upgrading itself to keep pace with air forces of the neighbouring countries. ''Our boys are good in handling aircraft and weapons too,'' he added.

Talking to mediapersons here to announce the launch of a 10-day ''Air Awareness Campaign'' here from November 10, Air Marshal Mehra said the IAF has the ability to defend the Indian air space effectively, which it has proved in wars it has fought, including the Kargil War.

''We are good in air as well as on ground. IAF can meet any challenges,'' the Air Marshal said.

Asked to comment on the reports that many IAF pilots wanted to quit the force in order to join private airlines for better salary and perks, Air Marshal Mehra said the reports were untrue.

''Presently, no such application from any officer to quit the IAF is pending with me,'' he said.

Meanwhile, elaborating on its humanitarian role, the Air Marshal said the IAF has always rushed to perform relief and rescue operations across the country and even abroad at times of natural calamities, including the recent floods in Gujarat. The IAF, he pointed out, had delivered relief materials to the victims of hurricane Katrina in the US.

The Air Marshal rued that Gujarat's representation in the IAF is very low, at just 7 per cent of the total air force strength. He hoped that Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra, which fall under the SWAC's jurisdiction, would together have at least 25 per cent presence in the IAF.

The 10-day Air Awareness Campaign from November 10 is aimed at spreading awareness among the youth to join the IAF. Every year, over 7,000 posts fall vacant in force as many personnel retire in various positions, Air Marshal Mehra informed.

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