Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday complimented the Indian Air Force for its “flawless execution” of the February 26 Balakot operation and subsequent thwarting of the Pakistani response as she addressed top IAF commanders here.
Sitharaman, in her inaugural speech at the two-day IAFconference, also commended Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who had becomethe face of the conflict between the two nations.
Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal B S Dhanoa emphasised onfurther enhancing the IAF’s capability in the field of space, cyber, artificialintelligence and drone technology to further boost its overall combatcapability.
The IAF said the commanders will deliberate on a range of issuesincluding the “successful strike over Balakot” and the subsequentPakistani air action on February 27, besides exploring ways to enhance India’sair power capability in the short and long term.
“The defence minister complimented the IAF and its air warriors for achieving and maintaining the highest standards of professionalism in the service of the nation. She praised the IAF for its flawless execution of the Balakot strikes and subsequent thwarting of the Pakistani response,” the IAF said.