Coimbatore, March 4: Amidst Opposition parties including Congress raising doubts over Balakot air strike, Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanao today said Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan responded because IAF pilots hit the target.
"The target has been clearly amplified by FS in his statement. If we plan to hit the target, we hit the target, otherwise why would he (Pak PM) have responded, if we dropped bombs in the jungles why would he respond," he told reporters.
The Balakot attack had raised a political stink after several opposition leaders doubted the veracity of air strike and demanded proof of their destruction.
Twelve IAF Mirage-2000 jets had crossed LoC early Feb 26 morning and had destroyed JeM terror camps in Balakot. The air strike was carried out weeks after Pulwama attack, in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday in Patna had flayed the opposition parties for demoralising the Indian armed forces by seeking proof of the air strike, which is benefiting enemies.
Replying to a query, he said the government will clarify the number of casualties because the IAF does not count human casualties, but the targets.
On Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, Dhanao said after he gets his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit.
"Whether he (Wing Commander #Abhinandan) flies or not depends on his medical fitness. That's why post ejection, he has undergone medical check. Whatever treatment required, will be given. Once we get his medical fitness, he will get into fighter cockpit," he said.
Replying to a query on Mig 21's capabilities, Dhanao said the jet is capable and has been upgraded that has better radar, air-to air missiles and better weapons system.
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