AGENCIES/ NEW DELHI
Air Chief Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria today described the IAF shooting down its Mi-17 helicopter in Kashmir on 27th February this year, as a big mistake.
Addressing Indian Air Force’s annual press conference today in New Delhi, Mr. Bhadauria said that a Court of Inquiry has submitted its report and Disciplinary action is being taken against two officers in the shooting down of the chopper.
Six IAF personnel and a civilian were killed in the incident, which took place on a day Indian and Pakistani fighter planes exchanged fire along the Line of Control, a day after Balakot air strike carried out by IAF. On this occasion, Air Force also released a promotional video of Balakot sir strike.
He said the operational preparedness of the IAF has been of a very high order and it achieved a number of operational milestones last year, including the Balakot strikes.
The IAF chief added that the IAF is prepared to meet any contingency and does not rest on past laurels. He said Pakistan lost an F-16 and India a MiG-21 in aerial engagement with the Pakistan Air Force a day after the Balakot strikes.