Latest news with #SommaiLeelitham
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Decoys, loitering drones, then BrahMos: Thai Air Force praises IAF's three-step Operation Sindoor tactic against Pakistan
India's new air war tactics draw regional attention Dummy aircraft and loitering munitions used to bypass air defences India's long-range missile strike sets new global benchmark Su-30MKI jets targeted airbases and radar systems Live Events Minimal IAF losses despite heavy engagement Operation Sindoor marked a new phase in India-Pakistan military dynamics Ceasefire followed four days of conflict A benchmark for future air warfare in Asia (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Earlier this month, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) hosted a regional conference to analyse the India-Pakistan air conflict that occurred in May 2025. Air Marshal Sommai Leelitham, Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), said that India's ability to strike multiple Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases without suffering any losses highlighted serious weaknesses in Pakistan's air defence systems. He also said that the Indian Air Force ( IAF ) had adopted a new and confident tactical approach during the the conference, Air Marshal Leelitham said India's air strikes showed operational readiness and a shift in air warfare thinking. 'India's execution of the strikes demonstrated both operational confidence and evolving doctrine,' he said. Since then, the conflict has become a case study for several Asian militaries reviewing the future of air operations.A Royal Thai Air Force report presented at the event explained how the IAF carried out a three-step operation. It began with the use of dummy aircraft to trigger Pakistan's radar and air defence response. After identifying key sites, India used loitering munitions to destroy them. This was followed by the main attack, in which IAF aircraft launched BrahMos and Scalp missiles. The strike platforms included Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000, and Su-30MKI jets. The IAF also used radar-evading routes and indigenous anti-radiation RTAF report noted that the campaign represented a shift in India's military posture. It moved from limited cross-border actions to long-range precision strikes. One example mentioned in the report was the use of India's S-400 air defence system to shoot down a Pakistan Air Force Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C aircraft from a range of 314 km. This was described as the first intercept of its kind at that brief air conflict escalated quickly, with both countries launching missile and air attacks. On May 8 and 9, Indian Su-30MKI jets carried out deep-strike missions targeting key installations in and around Lahore. BrahMos missiles were used to hit radar stations, airbases, and command centres. Indian officials later released satellite images claiming significant damage to Pakistani military claimed to have downed Indian aircraft, but India continued to fly sorties with few losses. The IAF reportedly changed its approach after initial engagements and focused on disabling Pakistan's ability to respond. Thai officials said this demonstrated improved Indian planning and better use of air operation, named Sindoor, marked the first time since 1971 that India conducted air strikes across the international border. It involved Rafale fighters, BrahMos cruise missiles, and Israeli-made loitering weapons. Indian authorities said the goal was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and send a strategic signal to fighting ended on May 10 after a ceasefire was requested by Pakistan's Director General of Military Operations in a call to his Indian counterpart. International observers said India's campaign had placed heavy pressure on Pakistan's air defences and highlighted India's improved air strike Royal Thai Air Force's acknowledgment of India's campaign marks a broader recognition of its impact across Asia. The May 2025 conflict, particularly Operation Sindoor, is now seen as a turning point in the evolution of South Asian air power.
India.com
4 days ago
- Politics
- India.com
Thai Air Force Praises India's Air Strikes On PAF Bases, Highlights Pakistan Air Defense Failure
New Delhi: Earlier this month, the Royal Thai Air Force (RTAF) hosted a high-profile conference analyzing the recent India-Pakistan air war that erupted in May 2025. Among the key speakers was RTAF's Deputy Chief of Air Staff (Intelligence), Sommai Leelitham, who made headlines with his sharp assessment of the conflict. He highlighted how the Indian Air Force's (IAF) successful strikes on multiple Pakistani Air Force (PAF) bases—without suffering any losses—demonstrated a major failure of Pakistan's air defences and showcased a bold shift in Indian tactics. The conflict began after a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 civilians. India accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers and decided to respond with force. On May 7, India launched Operation Sindoor—a coordinated campaign involving missile and air strikes on nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. The targets included bases and infrastructure used by militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Operation Sindoor marked the first time since 1971 that India struck across the international border, using advanced Rafale jets, BrahMos cruise missiles, and Israeli-made loitering munitions. The strikes were carefully planned to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and send a strong message to Pakistan. The air war quickly escalated, with both sides launching aerial and missile attacks. On May 8 and 9, the IAF shifted its focus to neutralizing Pakistani air defence systems, particularly around Lahore and other key bases. Indian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets, armed with BrahMos missiles, struck deep inside Pakistan, damaging airbases, radars, and command centers. Indian officials later released satellite images showing significant damage at several Pakistani military installations. Despite Pakistani claims of shooting down Indian jets, the IAF managed to carry out repeated strikes with minimal losses, adapting its tactics after initial skirmishes and focusing on degrading Pakistan's ability to retaliate. This new approach, praised by Thai Air Force officials, reflected a more flexible and coordinated use of air power, with Indian forces showing improved escalation control and target selection. The four-day conflict ended with a ceasefire on May 10, after Pakistan's DGMO Called India's DGMO And Pleaded for a ceasfire. international observers noted the effectiveness of India's air campaign and the visible setbacks to Pakistan's air defences. At the RTAF conference, Sommai Leelitham pointed out that the IAF's ability to strike multiple PAF bases without suffering losses was a clear sign of Pakistan's air defence shortcomings and India's successful tactical evolution. The conflict has since become a case study in modern air warfare, with lessons being discussed by air forces across Asia. The May 2025 air war between India and Pakistan, especially Operation Sindoor, has set a new benchmark for precision strikes and adaptive tactics in the region. The Royal Thai Air Force's recognition of India's operational success underscores the global impact of this brief but intense conflict—and signals a new era in Indian Subcontinent military strategy.
