How do you explain the gradual evolution of the Indian Air Force from being a tactical force to a strategic force, from being defense-oriented to the one aiming at air domination, from having the capability of meeting a single threat at one time to fight a two-front war simultaneously, from protecting territorial assets to guarding India's space assets?
Over the past 88 years, the IAF has evolved from a single unit of six Indians flying four fragile biplanes to a modern, combat effective, highly professional force which is also the fourth largest in the world.
Having successfully defended the country during various wars, the IAF was pressed into service during the Kargil operations and the more recent Balakot strikes. This marked a change in its employment from classic force on force employment to more proactive offensive roles with the ability to selectively address concealed targets in difficult terrain deep across the borders of the adversary.
This story is from the October 2020 edition of Geopolitics.
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This story is from the October 2020 edition of Geopolitics.
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