“IAF - A SELF-ASSURED, CAPABLE AND GLOBALLY COMPETITIVE AEROSPACE POWER

On the occasion of the 93rd Indian Air Force Day, Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, engaged in an in-depth conversation with Jayant Baranwal, Editor-in-Chief of SP's Aviation, and shared his insights on specific issues concerning the Indian Air Force

- Jayant Baranwal

SP's Aviation (SP's): Operation Sindoor was led by the IAF. What are the takeaways from these Operations in terms of modernisation and capability enhancement of the IAF?

Chief of the Air Staff (CAS): Operation Sindoor reaffirmed the decisive role of air power as both the primary responder and a strategic deterrent. The operation highlighted the unique advantages of air power like strategic reach, rapid response, operational tempo, the ability to precisely control escalation and achieve desired effects while minimising collateral damage. In modern warfare, it is air power that offers the broadest spectrum of options, ranging from subtle deterrence to decisive victory.

Another key takeaway is the critical importance of escalation management. Intelligent, calibrated and precise employment of air power has demonstrated that air operations can be executed effectively without triggering uncontrolled escalation. This approach has allowed us to respond decisively to provocations while operating under the nuclear umbrella, reinforcing strategic stability.

Operation Sindoor also showcased the synergy between offensive and defensive capabilities. Advanced precision weapons and state-of-the-art strike systems restricted adversary operational freedom, while counter-drone systems effectively neutralied incoming threats.