Economics Of A War

Operation Sindoor showed tactical resolve — now institutional lessons on weapon choice, cost- effectiveness and genuine joint fire-planning must be absorbed to sharpen future deterrence

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Operation Sindoor proved we can plan and act with resolve

Nothing sharpens military judgement like the crucible of operations. Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror strike, demonstrated that India can act decisively, with political will and with coordinated application of force across the three Services. Our armed forces and Government deserve the nation’s pride for that resolve and the results achieved.

Yet the euphoria of success should not blunt constructive introspection. Wars and punitive operations teach harsh lessons about the optimisation of means: which platform is the right one for a given target, and at what cost? Operation Sindoor presents us with precisely that moment for sober, professional selfexamination, not to detract from the achievement, but to make the next action swifter, cheaper and even more effective.

Firepower, not prestige, must drive choice of weapon

A fundamental truth of modern warfare is simple: outside final ground-holding actions, wars are decided by the weight, accuracy and timeliness of firepower. That firepower may be delivered from the air, from the sea, or from land-based launchers. Each has strengths and limitations. Aircraft bring flexibility, loiter time, human judgment and the ability to discriminate in complex environments. Missiles bring speed, standoff, precision and reduced risk to personnel. The right choice depends on the target, the operational context and the economics of force employment.