Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari stressed the need for a strong army. He said that due to the unstable and uncertain geopolitical scenario in our region, the need for a strong and reliable army has become imperative. Along with this, he told that MiG-21 fighter aircraft will no longer be a part of the Indian Air Force. These will be replaced by LCA Tejas aircraft.

IAF Chief Marshal Veer Chaudhary has given this information in a press conference. He said, 'The Indo-Pacific region is the new economic and strategic center of gravity of the world. This provides us with both challenges and opportunities. The Indian Air Force with its capabilities will play an important role in mitigating these challenges and will remain a cornerstone in projecting India's strength in this region.

He informed that a contract has been signed for 83 consignments of LCA Mark 1A of Tejas fighter jet. Chaudhary said, 'We had signed a contract for 83 LCA Mark 1A. We want 97 more such aircraft. With this we will have 180 aircraft. He said that MiG-21 fighter aircraft will be phased out of the fleet by 2025. Instead of this, LCA Tejas will be included in the Air Force fleet. LCA Mark 1A will be inducted in place of MiG-21 squadrons. He said that this is the proposal that exists. The shortage of these MiG-21s will be compensated with the induction of LCA Mark 1A.

This is an upgraded version of Tejas aircraft. Many modern equipment are installed in it. Other features include radar warning receiver, jammer pod for self-defense and many more. This aircraft is the most accurate weapon for air-to-air, air-to-surface strikes. This aircraft is also light in weight. It will be made by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited only. It is the lightest and smallest multi-role supersonic combat aircraft in its category.

VR Choudhary said, 'We are continuously monitoring the situation across the borders through intelligence, surveillance and ISR. We focus on building resources and capabilities across borders. Our operational plans are dynamic and keep changing depending on the situation we encounter as it develops on any front. In those places where the numbers or strength of the adversary cannot actually be countered, we will counter it through better tactics and better training. He said that changes in ISR plans are kept on the basis of information.

He said that the MRFA (Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft) matter has been pending for a long time. Major decisions have to be taken for this. Hopefully some decision will be taken soon. The IAF chief said, 'We have received three units of S-400 missile system from Russia. The remaining two are expected to be found by next year. He said that there has been a delay in getting the missiles due to the Russia-Ukraine war. The Indian Air Force is looking to acquire military platforms, hardware worth Rs 2.5 to 3 lakh crore in the next seven to eight years.

On the situation of LAC in Eastern Ladakh, the Air Force Chief said that he is constantly monitoring the situation. At the same time, Air Force Chief Chaudhary said that technology is being exchanged between the two countries, China and Pakistan. Pakistan is manufacturing JF-17 fighter aircraft and is also adding J-10 aircraft to its fleet. In such a situation, where there is an attack through technology, we will respond with technology. He said that if we are unable to use technology anywhere, we will win through training and strategy.