On February 26, 2019, the Indian Air Force rose to the call for retribution against the attack on the CRPF convoy at Pulwama, by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists, in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed. After due deliberations, the government tasked the IAF with destroying large and well-established terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control.
For the first time, the IAF has been recognised as being capable of operating independently when the element of surprise, speed and assured results were warranted. The mission it undertook was a complex one. Such missions have been previously attempted only by the air forces of the most advanced countries that have high technological assets, vast intelligence support, highly skilled manpower and vast research and development and industrial support. Precision guided weapons and sensors like the Litening targeting pod that were employed are highly sophisticated systems.
It is a testament to our Air Force’s skill and ability that such a complex mission was handled in copybook style, with 100 per cent success, zero loss and zero collateral damage. Kudos to the air warriors! For the first time, the indigenous Netra airborne early warning and control system, conceived by the IAF and designed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation, was used to support an offensive mission. The DRDO deserves a pat on the back.
Considering that the mission was flown in pitch darkness, there was no room for mistakes. The target, hidden by foliage and surrounded by hills, would have been impossible to spot without the aid of FLIR [Forward Looking InfraRed] or other night vision devices. The pilots would have had to release the weapons flying low and fast in the dark, over a hilly terrain on the very first pass and with no possibility of a re-run. Even if all goes to plan, there are unknown variables like the enemy’s air defence systems that impose the highest risks.
Overcoming such challenges require not luck, but training and confidence. The IAF brilliantly demonstrated these qualities in mounting the mission. There are an equally large number of professionals who would have worked 24x7 analysing tons of intelligence reports and planning the mission to the minutest detail. Carelessness in planning could impose severe risks to the mission.
The strike has demonstrated the capability of air power to the country and the decision makers in the government. The Air Force is always willing and ready to serve in a befitting manner when called upon. It is for the decision makers to employ this asset in the best possible manner. It offers an important choice that cannot be ruled out, but requires further nurturing.
The nature of democracy is such that a civilian government would seldom know the complexities of military operations, especially about employment of advanced technology and skill-based operations. It is important that a competent advisory body is available to the government within the political system. Such consultation is essential in any large defence related project and the management of PSUs and the DRDO. It is vital that the minister of defence conducts regular reviews on the capabilities of the military, the state of inventory and training standards. Cost-effectiveness in management should seriously be pursued.
It is the responsibility of the government to consider all military options when it becomes inevitable to use force. For a developing economy, war is never an easy option. Military operations have reactions that can affect economy, growth and infrastructure quite severely, besides the loss of lives and serious injuries to a large number of able-bodied youth in uniform. Only an extreme provocation can influence the government to use force.
The writer was chief of air staff.