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The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
Did we lose aircraft? Should we admit it? When? Answering questions raised by CDS' admission
This has led to a very public, very vociferous, and occasionally very acrimonious debate on the subject. The questions being debated are: Did we lose aircraft? If we did, should we admit it? If yes, how soon? Does losing more aircraft than the other side mean a tactical defeat? There were oblique references to losses in air combat on 6/7 May, during a briefing by the DG Air Ops (Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti). However, this remark by the CDS—although he declined to give exact numbers—would count as the first official admission of our own attrition in the air. There has been much kolaveri over the remarks made by CDS General Anil Chauhan. While speaking to Bloomberg TV on the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, the Chief of Defence Staff admitted to certain losses of Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor. This has set the proverbial cat among the pigeons. Accusations and accolades are both flying thick and fast. The losses and the analysis In all likelihood, we did lose some aircraft. The exact number and the causes would be revealed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), should they choose to. All losses are studied in great detail. The IAF would be examining everything—from tactics, network synergy, weapon load, and rules of engagement to crew training. Which weapon caused the damage—whether surface-to-air or air-to-air—will form a part of that analysis. The possibility of friendly fire will also be examined. While the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed it downed six Indian aircraft, they have failed to provide any evidence other than a sleazy presentation and social media posts. The PAF claims all 'kills' were air-to-air and credits the Chinese-made PL15 BVR missile. However, that may not be the case, considering a few of the PL 15s were found almost intact in our territory. A missile that fails to self-destruct at the end of its cruise phase is certainly not the 'best in the world' as claimed by our adversary. Their claims are speculative. At this stage, they are not aware which of their tactics-weapon combinations worked and which did not. Therefore, it does not make tactical and operational sense to clear this confusion for them by revealing our losses, if any. In my opinion, the citizen has a vested right to know. That includes accurate information on how well or poorly our armed forces performed in war. However, that right is tempered with caution and is measured against the needs of national security, which takes precedence over all rights. Hopefully, when the dust finally settles on this episode, we will receive all the information. Also read: India paid for ignoring warnings in 1965 war. It can't afford to repeat those mistakes today Attrition in air warfare For people not familiar with the planning and structuring of an air campaign against a peer competitor, the loss of our own aircraft might come as a surprise. However, despite advances in weaponry and sensors, air forces around the world cater for attrition in air war, especially in the early hours, when you fly into a hornet's nest. The first wave of airstrikes during Operation Sindoor was carried out under some very exacting circumstances. Our strikers were operating under very restrictive rules of engagements, against an adversary that was pre-warned and well-armed. SEAD and DEAD missions that typically form the first phase of any air campaign were not carried out, as per the larger political directive limiting strikes to terror infrastructure and avoiding military targets. Surprise, a factor that usually favours the raiders, was missing in this case. On the other hand, the PAF flung a technical surprise on us by launching data-linked BVR missiles at extreme ranges. As admitted by the CDS, the IAF was quick to draw lessons and went back up in air in the subsequent days. Some have misunderstood or even deliberately misconstrued the CDS's statement to mean that after incurring losses on the first day, the IAF was grounded for two days. Nothing could be further from the truth. While the tactics were being reviewed and electronic threat libraries were being updated, India maintained pressure on terrorist infrastructure in PoK. Limited strikes by Rafale and BrahMos-armed Su-30s were carried out on 8/9 May. Air defence combat air patrols (AD CAP) were maintained in the air around the clock, and backup missions were ready on the ground. An aggressive posture was maintained by our surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), threatening aerial activity deep inside Pakistan. The Indian military also had to contend with non-stop drone attacks on multiple locations, most of which were foiled. Dedicated SEAD/DEAD missions were undertaken on 8/9 May to degrade Pakistan's ability to defend its airspace. Based on political directions, escalation was controlled and some room was created to give Pakistan an off-ramp- DGMO (India) offered Pakistan an exit option, which was declined. In response to Pakistan's launch of Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos on 10 May, the IAF conducted retaliatory precision strikes on multiple targets across the length and breadth of Pakistan. The damage caused by the IAF's air-delivered munitions was seen by the entire world, courtesy of the satellite images that were widely shared. The IAF rose to challenge the PAF's hubris with an updated game plan. Electronics were tweaked, formations were rearranged, weapons were matched to the targets, and the IAF was not constrained by any restrictive ROE. The orders were clear: shoot to kill. The much-touted J10C and PL15 combo failed to bring down any of our jets. These aircraft were operating deep inside Pakistan's airspace and failed to launch even a single BVR, which just a day prior had been celebrated as a 300-km-long stick. Operation Bunyan al-Marsoos collapsed within eight hours on 10 May due to India's counterstrikes, which destroyed Pakistani morale besides destroying their assets. Pakistan sought a ceasefire through US mediation. Also read: Fund Kaveri Engine campaign is more than a hashtag. India needs control over its fighter jets Counting wins, not losses In a war, you count your wins by counting missions that were successful and not by counting damaged assets. Certain historical events corroborate this argument. The Israeli Air Force (IsAF) was pitted against the combined air power of Egypt and Syria in the Yom Kippur War (October 6–25, 1973). Although the Arabs had a greater number of aircraft, Israel enjoyed a significant technical edge in air power. The IsAF was also considered to be better trained, as it frequently exercised with Western air forces. Despite these advantages, the IsAF's losses in the first 12 hours were staggering: thirty A-4s, six Phantoms, and four Super Mystères were downed. The IsAF decided on an operational pause, took a hard look at its tactics, revised them, and went up again. The IsAF adjusted its tactics to minimise exposure to SAMs and anti-aircraft artillery. Dedicated SEAD/DEAD missions were flown, occasionally in coordination with ground-based artillery fire. In the following days, the IsAF gained and maintained control of the air. The outcome of the war is a well-known historical fact, and the crucial role played by the IsAF is also widely acknowledged. This example, along with the employment of Indian air power during Operation Sindoor, proves a point: despite the great care taken during planning, attrition in air war is unavoidable. These examples also tell us that an eventual victory is decided not merely by tallying losses incurred on both sides but by comparing mission success rates. In sum, wars are dirty business. Despite all the advances achieved by mankind, wars remain a primordial contest. Modern weapons have changed the face of war but not the nature of war. In wars, equipment will be damaged, and lives will be lost. Victory, however, will be measured against the degree to which the objectives—or 'conditions of termination'—set forth before the campaign were achieved. In that regard, Operation Sindoor was a resounding victory for Indian air power. Group Captain Ajay Ahlawat is a retired IAF fighter pilot. He tweets @Ahlawat2012. Views are personal. (Edited by Prashant)
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Operation Sindoor sparks boom in Patriotic merchandise: 'Not just a style but a statement of pride'
Thanks to Operation Sindoor, patriotism seems to have found a new, wearable expression. As buildings across the country lit up in the Tricolour and rallies voiced support for the Armed Forces, fashion too joined the movement. T-shirts with powerful quotes from military briefings – especially those by Director General Military Operations (DGMO) have become a symbol of national pride, and e-shoppers are flocking to buy them Wearing the spirit of patriotism Capitalising on the public sentiment, merchandise companies have released collections centred on Operation Sindoor and other impactful quotes from the media briefings. Bold typography, camouflage accents, and military insignias adorn many designs, with stock running out within hours. This isn't the first time fashion has saluted the forces. A previous Indian infantry collection co-created by cricketer Virat Kohli saw a similar patriotic response, underscoring the growing connection between national pride and wearable statements. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1&2 BHK Homes @Dosti™ Nest starts ₹56.5 L+* Dosti Realty Learn More Undo The social media surge The popularity of these T-shirts has been amplified by social media platforms often accompanied by hashtags like #OperationSindoor and #SaluteToSoldiers. Memes, reels, and fan art celebrating the armed forces have further fuelled the trend, turning fashion into a medium of patriotic expression. For the average citizen, these T-shirts and other accessories carry with them a message of unity, resilience, and unwavering support for the Armed Forces. The message that struck the nation One quote, in particular, captured national attention: 'Our job is to hit targets, not count body bags.' Delivered by Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Director General (Air Operations) of the Indian Air Force, during a post-operation briefing, the quote summed up the precision and professionalism of India's military response. A merchandise company that featured it on a T-shirt saw the design go viral almost instantly. 'No longer a campaign, a movement' 'Operation Sindoor is no longer just a campaign—it's a movement,' says Karan Sehdev, founder of a merchandise company. 'People want to express their pride meaningfully.' Alongside T-shirts, hoodies, he mentions that caps, flags, mugs, and badges are also gaining popularity. 'Customisation requests have included unit names, tags with uplifting messages, and regional scripts alongside national slogans. Many buyers now ask for eco-friendly fabrics and biodegradable packaging, blending sustainability with patriotism,' says Karan. Who's buying the T-shirts The buyers? Mostly patriotic Indians aged 18 to 45. 'College students, young professionals, and people who actively follow national developments make up the bulk of our orders,' says Abhi, founder of a customised T-shirt brand, adding, "For many, this isn't just fashion—it's a wayto make a statement and support the military through what they wear." Bhavani Ramesh, who runs another personalised apparel store, says, 'We've received several orders—not tied to any single quote, but to the sentiment of the campaign. College groups and even a media house have placed bulk orders.' Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
News18
13-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Operation Sindoor: He Stayed True To His Childhood Resolve, Says DGAO Bharti's Mother
Last Updated: Known for his calm, humble nature, Awadhesh Bharti pursued studies with determination to fulfil his grandfather's dream, eventually rising to the rank of Air Marshal Amid the India-Pakistan conflict, Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) Awadhesh Kumar Bharti has hit the headlines for overseeing Operation Sindoor, where the Indian Air Force conducted strategic bombings on terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The two countries have now reached a ceasefire, ending immediate hostilities. Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, a native of Jhunni Kala village in Bihar's Purnia, has played a key role in these operations. Known for his calm and humble nature since childhood, Bharti pursued his studies with determination to fulfil his grandfather's dreams. His perseverance and commitment eventually led him to rise to the rank of Air Marshal. When a team from Local 18 visited Bharti's native village, they met his mother, uncle, and other villagers. Bharti comes from a humble background. His father, Jeevch Lal Yadav, is a retired clerk, and he has three brothers and one sister. His mother, Urmila Devi, expressed her pride, recalling that Awadhesh had aspired to join the Air Force since childhood to fulfil his grandfather's dreams. Speaking to Local18, Urmila Devi said, 'To fulfil his grandfather's dream, he was determined to fly an aircraft since childhood. He completed his studies, got a job, and is now serving the nation." She added, 'I have three sons, and the eldest, Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, is currently posted as an Air Marshal in the Indian Air Force." His dedication to his studies and his current role in national service reflect his unwavering determination. Speaking to Local18, his mother shared that he enjoys traditional dishes like stuffed bitter gourd and Nenua vegetable, which she lovingly prepares whenever he visits the village. She expressed immense pride in her son, who remains deeply committed to protecting the nation and has pledged to serve India for the rest of his life. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! First Published: May 13, 2025, 18:04 IST
News18
13-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
India's 4-Layer Air Defence System That Destroyed Pakistani Missiles And Drones
Last Updated: Indian air defence units successfully intercepted and destroyed all Pakistani threats, including Chinese PL-15 missiles, long-range rockets, loitering munitions and Turkish drones India's robust, multi-layered air defence system successfully intercepted Pakistan's attempted drone and missile attacks following Operation Sindoor, before a ceasefire came into effect on May 10. News18 breaks down the country's formidable four-tier air defence system, one of the most critical pillars of India's national security. India's multi-layered air defence network is built to detect, track, and neutralise aerial threats at multiple ranges, forming a strong shield against enemy attacks. During the recent threat from Pakistan, the Indian Air Force's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) deployed a potent mix of Russian S-400 Triumph systems, indigenous Akash and Samar missiles, Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles and advanced anti-drone systems. Each layer of this defence grid is specifically designed to intercept threats based on their distance and altitude, ensuring a swift and effective response. First Layer: The innermost layer is dedicated to neutralising very short-range aerial threats, such as low-flying drones. It includes systems like the L-70 anti-aircraft guns, Igla and Strela MANPADS, ZU-23-2B guns, Shilka and Tunguska. These are effective within a range of up to 10 km. Second Layer: The second layer, known as the point defence system, is tasked with protecting specific areas or critical assets. This layer consists of short-range surface-to-air missile systems such as Akash, Spyder, Samar, Pechora and Osa-AK with interception capabilities of up to 50 km. Fourth Layer: The outermost and longest-range tier features the Russian-made S-400 Triumph system, which can detect and destroy threats as far as 400 km away. It can intercept enemy aircraft and missiles far before they reach Indian airspace. In this multi-layered air defence grid, older but reliable systems like the Pechora, Osa-AK and air defence guns played a crucial role. Air Force officer Awadhesh Kumar Bharti said, 'This air defence system neutralised every aerial threat from the enemy. The performance of the indigenous Akash missile system, in particular, was highly commendable." According to reports, Indian air defence units successfully intercepted and destroyed a range of threats, including Chinese PL-15 missiles, long-range rockets, loitering munitions and Turkish-made drones. Meanwhile, the Indian Navy played a key role in securing the maritime front. Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Operations, said the deployment of aircraft carriers and MiG-29K fighter jets near the Makran coast in the Arabian Sea effectively curbed Pakistani air activity in the region, ensuring there was no threat from the sea. First Published:
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Layered air defence minimised damage from Pakistani strikes, say armed forces in joint briefing
NEW DELHI: The Indian Armed Forces successfully repelled Pakistan's attacks due to a robust, layered air defence (AD) network, senior officers stated during a tri-services special media briefing held in the capital. Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, Director General Air (Operations), Indian Air Force, emphasised that the joint operations were aimed at destroying terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), as well as within Pakistan itself. He reiterated: 'Our fight was with terrorists and their support infrastructure. However, it is a pity that the Pakistan military chose to intervene and bat for the terrorists, which compelled us to respond in kind.' During the press conference, Air Marshal Bharti invoked a verse from the Ramcharitmanas to underscore that India's firm military response was necessitated by Pakistan's persistent provocation and disregard for India's earlier diplomatic overtures. In response to a question about the symbolic use of poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's work in the conference's opening video, Air Marshal Bharti recited a verse from the Ramcharitmanas: "Vinay na maanat jaladh jad, gaye teen din beeti. Bole Ram sakop tab, bhay binu hoye na preeti." Roughly translated, it means: 'The ocean, unmoved by polite requests, remained obstinate for three days. Then Lord Rama, in anger, said without fear, love does not arise.' Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations, highlighted that the presence of the Indian Navy's Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in the Arabian Sea compelled Pakistani air elements to remain confined near the Makran coast. 'Our powerful CBG, equipped with MiG-29K fighters and airborne early warning helicopters, maintained an uncontested presence in the operational area, effectively denying Pakistan any opportunity to pose a maritime threat,' he stated.
