India's Air Force has asked its government to urgently purchase more missiles amid growing tensions (Image: GETTY)
The call comes after Pakistan reportedly sent all of its F-16 fighter jets to the Indian border and moved terror camps out of IAF’s reach. India has continued to maintain a high level of operational alertness during the hectic flying activity from both sides. The country requires more air-to-air missiles that jets on patrol carry to counter any attacks from the Pakistani Air Force (PAF).
A government source told the Economic Times: “These missiles have a certain life.
“While stored in a canister, this is counted in terms of the age of the system in years but when fighters are operationally deployed, the life of the missile depends on the number of sorties being undertaken.
“So we need fresh replenishments.”
The Indian Army reportedly moved up emergency purchases of stock-up ammunition due to the heightened risk of conflict with Pakistan.
