Sending out a stern message to Pakistan and China, Air ChiefMarshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria asserted that Rafale combat aircraft willgive the Indian Air Force (IAF) an edge over its western as well as northernneighbours. Soon after taking over as the 26th Chief of the IAF, ACM Bhadauria(PVSM, AVSM, VM, ADC) on Monday declared that his force was always ready totake action as and when required. "Rafale is a very capable aircraft. Itwill be a game changer in our operational capability. It will give India anedge over Pakistan and China," replied the ace fighter pilot. "Wewere prepared then, we will be prepared next time. We will be ready to face anychallenge, any threat. We are aware of the reports and we will take necessaryaction as and when required," he asserted when asked if the IAF is betterprepared to carry out another Balakot like airstrike in the future. He addedthat he was aware that Pakistan had reactivated the Balakot terror camps whichwere bombed by IAF Mirage 2000 fighters on February 26, 2019, in retaliation tothe suicide attack carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammad terrorists on a convoy ofCentral Reserve Police Force convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama. IAF willbase its 36 Rafale jets in two squadrons. While 18 Rafale fighters will jointhe 17 Squadron 'Golden Arrows' at Ambala in Haryana to tackle Pakistanithreats, the remaining 18 combat aircraft will be stationed in West Bengal's Hashimarato take care of China.

The Chief of Air Staff also spoke on Pakistan Prime MinisterImran Khan warning of a nuclear war with India over Kashmir. "That istheir understanding of nuclear aspects. We have our own understanding, our ownanalysis. We will be ready to face any challenge," he explained.

The Air Chief Marshal took over as 26th Chief of the IndianAir Force (IAF) on September 30, 2019, after Air Chief Marshal Birender SinghDhanoa retired following 41 years of glorious service with the force. Thetrainer version of the Rafale jet has the initial RB in honour of ACMBhadauria's contribution in sealing the deal for the 36 jets.