IAF chief Arup Raha sends tough message to Pakistan, says 'we have ability to counter all threats'

Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha was addressing a press conference on the occasion of 84th anniversary of Indian Air Force.

Ghaziabad: Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha on Saturday said that the terror attack in Pathankot and Uri are a stark reminder of the times we live in, and added, that the Indian Air Force is ready to counter such attacks in the future.

"The terrorist attack on Pathankot airbase and Uri Army base are a stark reminder of the times we live in. To counter any sub-covenantal threat to our bases, we have instituted various new security measures," said Air Chief Marshal Raha said in the fiercest attack yet on Pakistan, albeit without naming it, while addressing a press conference on the occasion of 84th anniversary of the founding of the Indian Air Force.

We are getting smarter and smarter and are fully prepared for any contingency: Air Force Chief Arup Raha on terrorist attacks pic.twitter.com/g9lJwjWID8 — ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

In his message on official Facebook page of the IAF -- Indian Air Force, Power to Punish -- the Air Force chief said, "The force is operating some of the most modern weapon and equipment and the air warriors exercise ceaseless vigil of skies."

"We continue to train to take up any threat and are fully prepared to undertake any challenge in most befitting manner," the IAF chief said.

He said various courses are being conducted, that have increased security training, consciousness, physical fitness and combat efficiency of air warriors to handle such situations more efficiently.

The official Facebook page of IAF was launched on Saturday on 84th Air Force Day.

The Indian Air Force celebrated its 84th anniversary at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad with a large parade and an air display. The air display commenced with flag bearing sky divers of famous AKASH GANGA Team dropping out of AN-32 aircraft in their colourful canopies.

Air Force Day celebration underway at Hindon Air base in Ghaziabad; Vintage aircraft displayed. pic.twitter.com/Hdv9BA9jEE — ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

The flypast included the vintage aircraft, modern transport aircraft and frontline fighter aircraft.The ceremony concluded with a scintillating aerobatic display.

Attack on #Pathankot airbase is a stark reminder of the times we live in: Air Force Chief Arup Raha pic.twitter.com/YlJ2R8k5aM — ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

Army Chief Dalbir Singh and former cricketer Sachin Tendulkar were also present on the occasion.

Army Chief Dalbir Singh and Sachin Tendulkar at the Air Force Day celebrations at Hindon Air base in Ghaziabad pic.twitter.com/kLtEmrLjOu — ANI (@ANI_news) October 8, 2016

Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted the Indian Air Force on its 84th anniversary and said that the IAF has achieved distinction in defending. 

President Pranab Mukherjee also applauded the Air Force, saying that it has achieved distinction in defending our skies, delivering vital humanitarian aid and disaster relief.