Friday, April 8 2005 12:43 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Thiruvananthapuram: The Car Nicobar airbase of Indian Air Force (IAF), which was badly damaged in the December 26 tsunami had become combat worthy, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal S P Tyagi said in Thiruvananthapuram today (Apr 8, 2005).

Addressing a press conference at the headquarters of Southern Air Command at Akulam near Thiruvananthapuram, Tyagi said the airbase would be formally declared as combat fit on April 14 by operating IAF combat aircrafts like Jaguars on that day.

The runway, which was completely destroyed in the tsunami was fully repaired, he said adding, "Car Nicobar air base is combat fit." He said he would go to Car Nicobar on April 14.

Tyagi said the expansion programme of Car Nicobar air base would be carried out as planned. The IAF had been heavily involved in the rescue operations during tsunami in the country and also helped countries like Sri Lanka and Maldives. The heads of Governments of Sri Lanka and Maldives had appreciated the work of IAF, he said.

Referring to the joint exercise conducted by IAF with Air Forces of other countries, Tyagi said two major exercises, one with US Air Force and another with Singapore, were scheduled later this year. "Many more proposals of other countries are also with us," he said.

The Air chief said that for the first time IAF aircraft crossed Atlantic, which was possible because it now had mid-air refuelling capabilities, he said.

IAF conducted joint exercise at Alaska and also in South Africa, he said.

"The joint exercises have given us a chance to test ourselves with other air forces and I would say we have passed the test," he said.

The IAF would have a joint exercise with US Air force with their F-15, F-16 aircraft and Air borne warning and Radar System in November, he said adding another would be with France in June.

On the question of India going in for US aircraft F-16s or F-18s, Tyagi said induction of an aircraft in the IAF depended on the fighting capabilities of aircraft and not in names.

Tyagi said it could not be said now which aircraft the IAF would go for as many things have to be looked into. IAF had asked the Government for more aircraft and the country had received many offers, including F-16s, he said.

"Many things have to be discussed before taking a decision. We have only given request for more information and are awaiting for the information to come from the Americans," he said.

Asked whether it would be a threat for the country if Pakistan acquired F-16, Tyagi said he did not know what kind of fighting capabilities the F-16s had and what level of threat it posed to India. However, the IAF would respond adequately to any kind of threat, he said.

Referring to the peace initiatives between Pakistan and India, he said the IAF welcomed such moves. "There are problems, and there is a move towards solving them," he said.

Certain level of confidence had to be built between the two countries before taking a final decision on withdrawing troops from Siachin area, Tyagi said.

Asked whether the IAF had any plan to have joint exercises with Pakistan, Tyagi said it was too early and premature to answer such questions and the issue involved politics. "Let us play cricket now," he added.

The IAF fully supported the indigenous fighter production programmes and there was enough space for inducting "our own" fighters in the IAF, Tyagi said. IAF would have a squadron of Light Combat Fighter (LCF) manufactured by HAL by the end of this decade, he added.

Rejecting the theory that MIG-21 fighters were unsafe, Tyagi said, "Professional advice is that it is safe. Why should I lie?" he asked and added that IAF was now phasing out MIG-21s.

He said accident rate, particularly relating to MIG aircraft, in the IAF was coming down. Drop in accidents with MIG-21 was "phenomenal" and IAF liked to have zero accident rate, he said.

This was a clear indication that IAF was on right path as accident rate was neither growing nor stationary, but was coming down, he said.

On Defence University, Tyagi said many things have to be worked out and Chief of Staff committee would look into it.

IAF was not worried about its pilots leaving the force to join private airlines, he said in reply to another question.

IAF took enough care to keep its force position in full strength, he added.

Referring to the rescue operations carried out by IAF in Jammu and Kashmir recently during heavy snowfall, he said IAF airlifted about 40,000 persons to safer places.