The Indian Air Force is planning to deploy fighter aircraft squadrons in southern parts of the country to tackle the threat from non-state actors and to secure the sealanes.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi, IAF Vice Chief Air Marshal P K Barbora said the first two squadrons of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) would also be based in South India and squadrons of either the Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft or the Sukhoi -30 MKI would also be based there.

AIR correspondent quoting official sources reports, the IAF is planning to deploy the first two squadrons of the Light Combat Aircraft in Sulur in Coimbatore district in Tamil Nadu.

IAF has been strengthening its presence in the South to protect the country’s interests in the Indian Ocean Region.