‘Massive’ response to any Pak N-strike: IAF chief
26 Jul 2011
New Delhi: Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, air marshal PV Naik, said Tuesday Pakistan's tactical nuclear missiles and an ever expanding nuclear arsenal were of no concern for India.
"As per our doctrine, response to a first strike will be massive," air marshal Naik said. The IAF chief's comment came following news report that Pakistan planned to add 24 nuclear-capable missiles to its arsenal this year – the highest number the impoverished nation will have ever added in a single year.
A report in the Pakistani daily, The Express Tribune, quoted sources as saying that the missiles will be able to hit targets at a distance of 700-1,000 km, bringing nearly all major Indian cities within their range.
The reports said this indicates a growing 'urge' in the country's powerful security establishment to seek 'strategic parity in the region'.
According to the report, the Strategic Plans Division (SPD) - a high powered body that oversees Pakistan's nuclear arsenal and also supervises their production informed the National Commands Authority (NCA) about the ambitious plan.
The NCA is headed by the prime minister and has all services chiefs as its members.