China's anti-satellite not a threat to India

Shillong, Mar 22 (UNI) Designated Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Fali Homi Major today said neither was China's recent test of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapon a threat nor a concern to India.

" There is no cause for alarm over China's recent test on anti-satellite test even as China did not come clear, " Air Marshal Major told reporters on the eve of his departure as Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Eastern Air Command.

Moreover, he said since India's policy was not to use specie for defensive purpose, I don't think so it is a threat to our nation. " Air Marshal Major, who commanded the first MI-17 Squadron, was the helicopter pilot to succeed the highest post of the IAF in the history of the country.

He would take over the helm of affairs from outgoing Air Chief Air Marshall S P Tyagi on March 31.

However, he said India was already poised for joining front -ranking nations as an aerospace power.

" We are fully aware of India's place in the changing world scenario and the importance of aerospace in projection of military power, " the designated Air Chief said.

UNI