The Role of Air Power in India's National Security
The recent implementation of air power in Operation Sindoor has highlighted the evolving role of military air power in India's national security strategy. Historically, India has evolved from viewing the use of force as an 'avoidable necessity' to a more assertive stance, particularly evident since the 1971 war with Pakistan.
Operation Sindoor and Strategic Shifts
- Operation Sindoor (May 7-10) signifies a shift towards a strategy centered around prevention, pre-emption, and punishment against state-supported terrorism, with Pakistan as a primary focus.
- This strategy aims to maintain 'responsibility and restraint', a hallmark of India's response to national security crises.
Traditional Orientation and Evolving Strategies
- India's national security has traditionally been dominated by a continental mindset focused on attrition warfare along contested borders.
- The emergence of maritime strategies has diversified options beyond land-centric approaches.
Air Power: Competitive Advantage and Challenges
- Offensive-defensive air power in Operation Sindoor highlights its potential in strategic military operations.
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has developed non-kinetic capabilities, including tactical and strategic airlift, but aims to assert its role in offensive operations.
- Despite budgetary constraints, the IAF seeks to prove the utility of offensive air power in non-contact warfare scenarios.
Future of Air Power in Multi-Domain Operations
- Operation Sindoor grants the IAF a significant role in multi-domain operations, aligning with national strategies of prevention and pre-emption.
- The discourse should focus on integrated battle strategies rather than replacing existing land or maritime power.
- The IAF faces challenges in building capabilities to counter threats like the anticipated delivery of China's J-35 fighter aircraft to Pakistan.
In conclusion, the IAF must secure governmental support to enhance its capabilities, fulfilling the potential demonstrated during Operation Sindoor. The strategic emphasis is on air power's role in achieving decisive strategic outcomes while integrating with other military domains.
