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Armed forces joint presser: IAF presents evidence of Pakistan's use of F-16s
According to Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor, parts of AMRAAM, air to air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory.
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New Delhi
A joint press conference to brief the media on the India-Pakistan developments over the last 48 hours was held in Delhi late evening on Thursday.
The Indian Air Force (IAF), Army and Navy said on Thursday that they were on high alert and that Pakistani jets tried to target Indian military installations in Jammu and Kashmir a day earlier but were pushed back.
Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor told the media at a tri-service press conference that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) breached the Indian airspace west of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday.
The Pakistani attempt was to target Indian military installations but the Pakistani jets were forced to retreat by Indian MiG, Sukhoi and Mirage aircraft.
'Military targets'
Air Vice Marshal Kapoor said while Pakistan claimed that its jets fired bombs in open areas, "the fact is that Pakistan targeted military installations but we thwarted their plans. The bombs were unable to cause any significant damage due to swift IAF action".
"IAF remains ever vigilant and ready to take on any eventuality," he said.
Proof of F-16 deployment
Pakistan lied that no F-16 was used but there was enough evidence, Kapoor said.
He refuted Pakistan's claims that it had not used F-16s on Wednesday and said that one F-16 was shot down by a MiG-21 Bison.
The IAF showed parts of Amraam missiles as proof that Pakistan used F-16 aircraft to attack Indian military establishments on Wednesday.
Major General SS Mahal said that PAF's targets on Wednesday included a Brigade Headquarters, a Battalion Headquarters and logistics installations in Jammu and Kashmir.
But their designs were foiled because of the high level of preparedness by the Indian armed forces, he said.
Readiness levelÂ
He said Indian weapons systems had been put on high alert and mechanized forces had been placed on standby. "We are fully prepared to respond to any provocation."
Rear Admiral DS Gujral said: "The Indian Navy is deployed in a high state of readiness and remains poised in three dimensions -- surface, under the sea and in air to deter, prevent and defeat any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain.
"I can assure you of a resolute, swift and strong response by the Navy whenever needed."
Abhinandan's return
The Indian Air Force Thursday said it is very happy that captured pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman is returning home but dismissed suggestions it was a goodwill gesture, insisting it was in line with the Geneva Conventions.
"We are very happy Abhinandan will be freed tomorrow and look forward to his return," Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor, assistant chief of Air Staff, told a news conference. Asked if the IAF sees it as a goodwill move, Kapoor said, "We see it as a gesture in consonance with the Geneva Conventions."
On Balakot air strike
Air Vice Marshal R G K Kapoor said there is credible information and evidence that "we hit the intended targets" and it was premature to assess the casualties and damage. Kapoor said it was up to the political leadership to decide when and how to release evidence of the Balakot strike's success.
(With inputs from IANS)
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