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We have kept the engines
running: Air chief

Air Chief Marshal S Krishnaswamy on Friday said India was prepared to counter any threat from Pakistan.

"While war is not in the interest of either country, if needed, our defence forces are well prepared and in the event of a war, we are ready to give a fitting reply [to Pakistan]," Krishnaswamy said while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the passing out parade of the 102nd course of the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla near Pune.

"We have kept our engines running. Whenever needed, all we have to do is start, put them into gear and go," he said

About Pakistan President General Pervez Musharraf's recent speech, Krishnaswamy said: "He is the president and given the situation in which he is, he has to speak in various hues and tones. We have to see how he converts his words into reality."

On the issue of nuclear threats issued by Musharraf from time to time, he said: "The Pak general can say anything from nuking India to demolishing it. It is meant for his nation. Maybe he is donning the role of a politician."

Earlier, addressing NDA cadets, he said: "Our armed forces stand deployed to undertake operations at short notice and given the opportunity, we are determined to root out the evil once and for all. We keenly look forward to that opportunity to show our nation our strength and determination," he said and added that the three services were cohesive and strong as never before.

"In due course we shall witness greater integration and inter-posting among the three services. While we may wear a different uniform and fight different dimensions [of a war], our roots and objectives are the same," he said and added that "we have a common enemy and it is our resolve to wipe him out."

Krishnaswamy said the Indian Air Force was confident of purchasing Hawk advanced jet trainers from Britain. "The government has taken a decision and it [the planes] will come. So there is no point in any hurry. Since the project costs crores of rupees, our intention is to get value for money," he said.

PTI

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