NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) is capable of handling the threats from both the Eastern and Western fronts, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa said on Thursday 

The IAF Chief was asked about operational preparedness in case of a two-front war scenario, the Air Chief Marshal said that the IAF is ready for a full spectrum operation but added that any decision on surgical strike involving the IAF has to be taken by the government.

“Air Force has the capability to locate, fix and strike across the border,” Air Chief Marshal Dhanoa said on the issue of the tactical nuclear weapon of Pakistan.

On the required number of the fighter squadrons, the Air chief said, “We need to have 42 squadrons for full spectrum of war but it does not mean that we are not capable of handling the situation.

“We have a plan B which may be executed if needed,'' he said while talking to journalists here ahead of the Air Force Day.