New Delhi: The Indian Air Force (IAF) on July 11 said it was "fully equipped" to extend logistical support to the army if the government took a decision to send troops to Iraq.

"We are fully equipped to send aircraft to Iraq, if the government so desires, but I don't believe India would need to send combat aircraft. If we do go, it would be in support of the army," Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy told reporters on the sidelines of the flagging of parade for Indian Air Force contingent leaving on a peacekeeping mission to Congo.

Ruling out the possibility of any pre-induction training being imparted to the Air Force in the event of troops being sent to Iraq, Krishnaswamy said the role of the airmen would be essentially to support the army in their operations.

"It would be logical to think that our role would be that of transportation, logistic support with the help of helicopters. We have no problems in sending aircraft," he said.

Flagging off the largest ever Air Force contingent to take part in peace-keeping operations, the Air Chief categorically stated that the Indian forces would not be involved in any "offensive", and would fire only to protect themselves in case of an ambush or attack.

PTI