India’s aircraft strength inadequate: Air Chief Marshal Naik

Air Chief Marshal P V Naik on his visit to Gujarat today said the country’s present fighter aircraft strength, which is one-third of China, was inadequate.

“Our present aircraft strength is inadequate. We have one third of the Chinese numbers. And that is why we are going for more,” Naik told reporters at the South Western Air Command (SWAC) headquarters here.

He further said that “the government is giving full support as far as the acquisition of these things are concerned in terms of finance or otherwise.”

“But everything takes time. So, whatever contracts that have been signed or will be signed, we would get delivery after three years,” he said, adding that they were aware of the situation and were keen on increasing aircraft numbers.

Fighter aircrafts are required for national security, initially at the borders and also to guard the entire nation, Naik said.