Air Marshal’s Perspective

(Candid and to the point – काम की बात)

SELF MANAGED BLOG

 

 

Ranked 14th in the list of Top 25 Indian Defence Blogs and Websites

 

 

 

Hello Readers,

 

It has been four years since the blog “Air Marshal’s Perspective” was launched. The idea of the blog is to share the gained knowledge and new learnings.

 

 

The tagline of the blog “Candid and to the point / काम की बात”, explains the style adopted. In the times of quick fix (Twenty 20 cricket), everyone wants to know the gist of the issue (as one of my gurus used to say “Just tell me the निचोड़”). The written posts cover the topic in bullet form (two to three pages), with a reading time of 5-7 minutes. The lengthier video bytes have a selective viewing option.

 

First and foremost thanks to all the readers who read the blog and provide the necessary encouragement to continue blogging.

 

 

Topics Covered

 

Leadership, Management, Motivation, and  Growth Mindset

Decision making

Mental toughness

Earning respect

Good  leadership qualities and values

Science of Karma

Good working culture and environment

Listening Skills

Be good, feel good

Healthy working environment

importance of Tolerance

Lessons from Buddha

Difference between strength and courage

Lessons from rich and famous

Leadership lessons from Hollywood movies.

Shark in the tank theory of management

Car wheel theory of management

Aya Ram Gaya Ram syndrome – yes, men.

Calculated Risks

Practical Leadership and Management

Communication skills and body language

Lessons from Nanak

Being Responsible and Tolerant

Growth Mindset

Transferable Skills

Advice to the young generation

Motivational Talks

Importance of self-discipline

Learn from Ganesha

Listen to Krishna

Words of Wisdom

Life in IAF

Convocation Address – lessons from life in IAF

Courage is an essential trait of leadership.

Leadership: A Privilege

Embrace your Journey of Life

Trust and Integrity:  The Cornerstones of Authentic Leadership

Five by Five rule: Assured happiness.

China

China’s Brain is differently wired.

China’s strategic thought

China’s military modernisation

China’s Defence industry

China – Pakistan Collusion

China – Art of deception

China: Kill Pigs List

China: Social Score System

China: Active Defence Policy

China’s Joint Strategic Support Force (JSSF)

China – Joint Strategic Support Force.

Dealing with the Dragon

China’s grey zone operations

China: Flavours of military Reform

China: Pillars of Military Reform

China’s new diplomacy – drawing red lines in the sand.

China – demographic analysis.

China through US Prism

China in the South China Sea

China’s Military – Civil Fusion

PLAAF Analysis Strengths and weaknesses

Book review on China Airpower

Dealing with Dragon

Knowing China Better: lie flat and let it rot.

Knowing China, Better social life and customs

Something is not right in Dragon land.

Q&A India China stand-off

China in IOR

What is cooking in the Chinese military cauldron

Dragon at Shigatse

China aircraft carrier development

China’s military reorganisation: a story of evolution and reversion.

Geopolitics

China

Pakistan – National Security Policy, Turmoil

Afghanistan

India’s foreign policy

India’s neighbourhood

Quad

Indo – Russian relations

State of Airpower Assets in Afghanistan

Indo – US relations

Afghanistan: Taliban run over

World in Transition

US-China Shadowboxing over Taiwan

China spoiling Bhutan’s GNH.

Thucydides  Trap, – Dragon challenging Eagle

South China sea

Gini Index and implications.

Multilateralism: Flexible Security Cooperation.

India-Pakistan border issue – tunnels and drones

India-China border talks

China Pak Collusivity

SCO Shanghai Cooperation Organisation: Relevance  and future trajectory

Sri Lanka Economic crisis: lessons and opportunity

Ukraine Conflict

Bangladeshi tango with China

Economic Sanctions

Djibouti: Tug of war between USA and China

The Future of Conflict in the Asian Context

Israel Palestine standoff

India, Pakistan, China Asian triangle

Indo-US Collaboration in Defence

World in Transit

Indo-Russia relations

Indo-Vietnam Cooperation

Many suitors for strategically located Djibouti

Renewed Impetus to Indo-Russia Relations

Air Power

Airpower in Grey zone operations

Airpower in no war, no peace situation

Air Power & Non-Kinetic Warfare

Air Power in Multi-Domain Warfare

Airpower in HADR ops and aid to civil authorities

Drone Threat: The Big Picture

Fighter aircraft classifications by generations

Emerging Technologies and Air Defence

Air Power in Modern-Day Warfare

S-400 SAM AD System

Combat Aviation most desired – least understood.

Changing nature of warfare

Air Defence operations

Air power strategies: multiple threats and limited resources

Airpower in the maritime domain

Air Power and effect-based operations

Air power concepts: Command / control the air, air supremacy, Air superiority and favourable air situation.

Contemporary airpower thought

How does an aeroplane fly

Air power basics revisited.

Air power and war endurance

Global Wars and lessons for Indian airpower

Classification of fighter jets into generations

Centralised planning decentralised execution

Global Airpower Ranking 2024

Giulio  Douhet: Relevance Today

All About Airpower

Airpower in Indian Context

Airpower Theorists and Their Core Thoughts and Beliefs

Relevance of John Warden’s thoughts on Air Power Application and Air Campaign Planning.

Future trends of fighter aircraft.

Air Campaign Planning

Technology

Hypersonics and hypersonic weapons

Technology and airpower

Future Trajectory of AI

Artificial intelligence

Future of conflict in new domains (Space, Cyber and deep sea)

Unmanned Platforms and Swarms, Loyal Wingman concept

AI and Fake News

AI: Digital twins and Surrogate models

Military application of quantum technology.

What next after 6th gen aircraft

Technology in the defence forces.

Mission Divyastra MIRV Technology

Technology and the future of aircraft maintenance

Speed Race: Hypersonic weapons

Countering Hypersonic Threat: Difficult but Manageable Problem

Security

Collective Security

National Security / Military Strategy

Urgent need for National Security Policy

Collective dealing with non-traditional challenges

Cyber Safety and Security

Cyber warfare

Digital addiction

Economic Cyber Frauds

Future of conflict in new domains (Space, Cyber and deep sea)

Nuclear

Nuclear trends, threats and challenges 27 Jun 24

Nuclear aspects revisited

Space

Space operations

Space warfare and organisation in India

Space-based ISR

Space warfare in the Korean Peninsula

Launch of 50 surveillance satellites by ISRO in 5 years.

Future of conflict in new domains (Space, Cyber and deep sea)

Indian Air Force

Capability development

Tejas and AMCA project

IAF role in HADR and aid to civil and other agencies

Network-centric operations

PLAAF and IAF comparative analysis

IAF Modernisation

Balakot Operations

Maritime air operations in future

Rafale induction and capability enhancement

S-400 Induction

Fire Power Demo: Ex Vayu Shakti

IAF fighter strength drawdown and mitigation plan

IAF Strategies: past, present and future.

Life in IAF

IAF multi-national exercises

Exercise Bright Star 2023

Strategic evolution of IAF

C-295 ac induction IAF capability enhancement and benefits

Astra AAR BVR Missile

Journey through IAF

Prachand the Himalayan griffin.

Women air warriors in the IAF

IAF challenges and future trajectory.

Discussion on the book by Jasjit Sinh: Defence from the Skies.

War and Warfare

Types of war

Decoys and deception

Afghanistan Air Assets

Future Wars

Warfare

Grey Zone Warfare

Classification of warfare into generations (Russian Thoughts)

Domains of warfare

C4ISR

Military Balance in the region

Ukraine War: Air Power aspects, a case of dog and bone, Air Superiority aspects, decoding Ukraine war. Lessons.

Operational Logistics

Lesser known facts about 1971the  War

Review of book on 1962 war

Review of the book on the 1965 war

India’s two-front challenge

Douhet theories

Duration of Conflict

Jasjit Singh on Airpower

Galwan standoff

Asymmetric Threat

Accelerating the Paradigm Shift

Multilateralism: Relevance and changes

Aspect – Long-drawn wars

National Security Strategy

HAMAS attack on Israel

Cognitive warfare

India’s readiness for drone warfare

Integrated deterrence

Orchestrating Air Campaigns: Thumb Rules

Russia-Ukraine War: Phase of Engagement with long Range Vectors

Kargil War

Military

Military diplomacy

Military spending: trends and analysis.

Collusive Threat and Deterrence: Air and Space Aspects

Integrated Capability Development.

Joint war game training systems

Fighter Pilot: Traits

Agni veer and Agnipath / Tour of duty / making best of the scheme

Andaman and Nicobar Command and Islands

Defining Military Diplomacy

Women in the Indian Defence Services

Joint Operations and Jointmanship

Trends in International Arms Transfer

Global Military Spending – Trends and Analysis (2023)

Women in defence forces: prospects and challenges.

Higher Defence Organisation

Department of military affairs

Theaterisation

Air defence command

Civil-military fusion

Theatre Command in Indian Context

Reorganisation of HDO in India

Flight Safety

Golden rules of safety

Importance of SOPs

A proactive approach to safety

Damage due to Bird Hits and Foreign Objects

Safety and aviation

Good safety Culture

Tool management for safe maintenance

Aircraft Drift – Causes and Concerns

Sathe safety aspects of short landings.

Inculcating safety culture

Defence Industry

Indigenous defence industry

HAL and DPSUs

Role of the private sector in defence production

Arms Transfer to Afghanistan

Defence Budget issues

Atmanirbharta

Exportability of LCA and Brahmos combined package

IAF and indigenisation

Indian Initiatives to promote self-reliance

Tejas export options

Russia – India Defence contracts past, present and future.

EU’s defence spending

Aero India 2021 & 2023

Arms trade: Trends and Concerns

Arms trade: flow vis-a-vis hot spots

Expanding the footprint of Boeing in India

Decoding US presence at Aero India 2023

Global Military Spending: Trends and Catalysts

India

Understanding Manipur Dynamics

Indian foreign policy and defence diplomacy

Meghalaya Dynamics

Transparency, Accountability and Threats to Independent Institutions of Democracy

Book Reviews and Endorsements

1946: Last War of Independence: Royal Indian Navy Mutiny by Pramod Kapur

1962 Border War: Territorial Dispute and Beyond by Ismail Vergasseri

The Politics of South China Sea Disputes By Nehginpao Kipgen

1965 A Western Sunrise: India’s War With Pakistan By Shiv Kunal Verma

The Game Behind Saffron Terror by Kanwar Khatana

Peer  Review –  “China-The Rising Aerospace Power: Implications for India”

Peer Review –  “MRO as a strategic asset”

Book Endorsement – “Greatest Air Aces of All Time” by Air Marshal Anil Chopra

Book Endorsement – The 1971 Indo-Pak Air War: Reflections and Projections

Peer review of a paper on Global challenges of soft power.

Stories

My tryst with HT-2 aircraft: The day god flew with me

The day I flew my dad’s car.

Malse Lake: Tale of two-course mates

Flying Tales

Tribute to Air Mshl PK Dey “Remembering Dadu: Self-Made Legend

SHIQURDU: 50 + posts of simplified Deep-meaning thoughts in Hurdu (a mix of Hindi and Urdu)

Remembering Dadu: Self Made Legend

 

Collaborated, Coordinated, Partnered, Assisted, Liaised, Cooperated, and Interacted with:-

 

Distinguished fellow at United Services Institute (USI).

Distinguished Fellow at the Center of Air Power Studies (CAPS).

On the editorial board of the College of Air Warfare Journal.

On the editorial board of CAPS Journal (Blue Yonder).

On the editorial board of News Analytics.

Strategic Advisor – Aerospace and Defence division of the Synergia Foundation.

Advisor – Indus International Research Foundation.

Advisor – Bharat TV Now

Life member: White Canvas Education Council.

Instructed at Peninsula Foundation & CSDR.

Conferred a title by Gems B School: Distinguished Son of India.

Member – Asia Centre Bangalore.

 

Organisation	Type of Organisation	Type of work
Centre of Air Power Studies (CAPS) Distinguished Fellow	Think Tank	Talks (China, Leadership, Joint Strategic support force & Maritime air ops), Article on Air Defence & Airpower strategies. Seminar on Ukraine war. Conduct of discussions during WASP prog.
United Services Institute (USI) Distinguished Fellow	Think Tank	Talks, panellists in Seminars/Webinars, Articles for journals, Strategic exercises at IFS, NDC, CAW and 27 Mtn Div, mentoring, strategic game on capability building. Peer review of paper
Synergia Foundation Strategic Advisor – Aerospace and Defence division of the Synergia Foundation.	Think Tank	Articles, Talk during Aero India, Talk during Def Expo. Talk at Bangalore International Centre.
Shyama Prakash Mukherji Research Foundation (SPMRF)	Think Tank	Suraksha Samvad – Study & Discussion
Delhi Policy Group (DPG)	Think Tank	Panellist in Seminars / Webinars
Vivekanand International Foundation	Think Tank	Panellist in Webinars and Podcasts. Wargame.
CENJOWS	Think Tank	Panellist in Seminars / Webinars (Integrated Capability Development – Sep 21)
CSDR (The Council for Strategic and Defence Research)	Think Tank	Talk / Lecture on Air Power & IAF
CKS – Center for Knowledge Sovereignty	Think Tank	Talk on China – How Does Dragon’s Brain Work Talk – Strategic evolution of IAF
Manohar Parikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis(MPIDSA)	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars
Fair Observer (USA)	Think Tank	Panellist in Seminar/ webinar Making sense of India’s stand on Ukraine
CASA (The Current & Strategic Affairs Forum)	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars
National Maritime Foundation	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars Indo-pacific strategic dialogue
CLAWS	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars Article on war Endurance
SAMDES	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars
The Takshashila Institution	Think Tank	Participated in Seminars/ webinars Panellist  for discussion on Agniveer scheme
The Peninsula Foundation	Think Tank	Lecture on Air power and IAF Participated in Seminars/ webinars
Chennai Center for China Studies	Think Tank	Panellist in Seminar/ webinar (PLAAF)
Indic Research Forum	Think Tank	Panellist in Seminar/ webinar (PLAAF) Keynote address: IAF and Counterterrorism ops Panelist: Ukraine war.
Chanakya Forum Website	Think Tank	Articles Decoding US presence at Aero India 2023. Ukraine war. IAF strength drawdown. Understanding Manipur dynamics C295 ac induction in IAF India’s readiness for drone warfare Chinese Gryfalcon in Pak skies. Russia entices India with SU-75 aircraft. Hypersonic Air Defence. Prachand: the Himalayan griffin.
Chanakya Diaries	Journal	Article on Genesis of air power theories and their relevance today.
Gyan Chakra (WC of IA)	Think Tank	Article on IAF Strategies past, present and future.
Strive Dialogue (CC of IA)	Think Tank	Discussion on IAF multi-national exercises
Observers Research Foundation (ORF)	Think Tank	Global wars and lessons for Indian airpower
Indus International Research Foundation (IIRF)	Think Tank	Panellist – Theatre command in the Indian context Article for the yearbook – combat aviation most essential least understood. Panellist – Seminar on Indo-US Collaboration Articles- Air power basics revisited Fighter ac classification Article-Renewed Impetus to Indo-Russia Relations Article – Inculcating Safety Culture Article – John Warden’s Air Power Thoughts
Asia Centre Bangalore	Think Tank	Member – talk on China
National Defence College (NDC)	Military Institute	Talks on China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan Panellist – Future Application of Force – joint way ahead.
College of Air Warfare (CAW) Editorial Board of CAW Journal	Military Institute	Talks (China, IAF, Airpower, leadership etc.), Paper reviews (China, grey zone and Airpower, Hypersonic weapons, China military-civil fusion, etc.) and strategic exercise
Flying Training Institute – Air Force Academy	Military Institute	Talks on leadership and motivation, Technology and air power
Flying Training Institute – Bidar	Military Institute	Changing nature of warfare
Flying Training Institute – Hakimpet	Military Institute	Dealing with two inimical neighbours.
College of Defence Management	Military Institute	Talks on China, IAF, airpower, leadership etc.)
Army War College	Military Institute	Talks on (China, Airpower, IAF etc.)
College of Naval Warfare (CNW)	Military Institute	Talks on (Maritime air operations, Airpower and IAF)
Defence Services Staff College (DSSC)	Military Institute	Talks on (Airpower, China, IAF, maritime air Operations, etc.) Non-Kinetic Warfare – Seminar and mentoring during exercise
Western Air Command, IAF	IAF	Talk on China and Doklam
Eastern Air Command, IAF	IAF	Webinar on China with CAPS – Joint Strategic Support Force, Article for Coffee Table Book
Southern Air Command	IAF	China in IOR, Maritime air ops
Training Command, IAF	IAF	Seminar on the 1971 War. Talk on Multilateralism.
HQ Maritime air ops	IAF	Future maritime air operations
Air Force Association	IAF	Article for Journal on HT-2 Aircraft, and Women Air Warriors
HQ IDS	HQ IDS	Panellist – ICADS, AP vis-à-vis NKW
Talks at IAF Units, SDI, ASTE, BRDs (Pune & Delhi), Six squadron	IAF	Practical Leadership and Management, Ukraine conflict, IAF, Air power subjects
ARTRAC, IA	Army	Panellist – Air power and MDW
Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)	Government	Advisor.
Def Talks	Video channel	Video Interviews(Drone threat, IAF roles and tasks, AP in GZ, Indigenisation, Theatre commands, collective security, S – 400, Ukraine War, air superiority, Space warfare, Life of a Fighter Pilot
Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh	Video channel	Video Interview (China, IAF and leadership)
Hum Hindustani	Video channel	Video Interview (China, Drone Threat)
Jaideep Saikia	Journalist	Panellist in Webinar on China
The Book Review & Literary Trust	Literary Trust	5 Book Reviews
FPRC (Foreign Policy Research Centre)	Research Institute	Articles India’s relations with Russia, USA and China
ABP	News Channel	Commentaries (Republic Day and Air Force Day)
BBC (Jugal Purohit)	News Channel	Interview on Balakot
CNN	News Channel	Video bytes – UFO sighting at Imphal airport
India TV	News Channel	Interview on Balakot, IAF Capability building
NDTV (Vishnu Som)	News Channel	Interview (Rafale)
Sansad TV	News Channel	Interview
India Today	News Channel	Interview on Balakot Interview on China Threat & Indian Military Preparedness. RD Commentary Panel discussion on Tejas Mk IA
TV9 Bharatvarsh	News Channel	Video bytes on the TEJAS program, the Israel-Hamas war, the Astra Missile, a New airfield in Pakistan, Nyoma airfield, and the Launch of 50 satellites. Video bytes on SU-30 aircraft.
DD News	News Channel	Aero India 2023 Interview on Tejas aircraft
Eurasian Times	News Channel	Inputs on fighter aircraft procurement Chinese J-31 for Pakistan Dragon at Shigatse Kargil War
Sputnik News Russia	News Channel	Interview on Defence contracts, inputs on Air Defence, S-400 and BMD.
Bharat TV Now	News Channel	Advisor Discussion on Israel-Hamas war
News Analytics	Online Forum	Article on Russia-Ukraine War, China’s military reorganisation, IAF challenges & future trajectory.
Dept of East Asian Studies, DU	University	Panel Discussion: Modernisation of the Chinese Military
Rashtriya Raksha University	University	Talk: PLAAF and its modernisation.
UPES – University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (Dehradun)	University	Talk on Practical leadership and management during FDP – Faculty Development Program
JNU	University	Talk on China
Fletcher South Asia society	University	India’s defence preparedness in a new environment.
Vels University, Chennai	University	Chief guest, talk on airpower, technology and motivation, Podcast
Hindustan University, Chennai	University	Keynote address – “International Conference on Autonomous Airborne Systems(ICAAS-2023)”
Christ University, Bangalore	University	Motivational Talk
Reva University	University	Track two Dialogue, Panellist – Indo – Russia Relations
IIT Hyderabad	University	Panellist – Technology in Defence Services.
Alliance University	University	Technology in the Defence Sector
VJTI (Mumbai)	College	Motivational talk during the tech festival
Stanley College (Hyderabad)	College	Motivational talk during college festival
BITS Pilani (Goa)	College	Motivational talk during college festival
IIT (Delhi)	College	Study on bullet-resistant Material
Punjab Engineering College Chandigarh	College	Life in IAF, leadership and motivation
GEMS B School	College	Convocation motivational Address
ICFAI – Indian Chartered Financial Analysts Institute	Institute	India, Pakistan and China
Empowerment Talks	Motivational group	Motivational Talk
White Canvas India	Education company	Chief Guest at India’s top 20 under 20. (2021 and 2022) Chief Guest for Book launch – Yes, we did Chief Guest for Young CEO workshop at Gurukul & Ryan International.
BCG – Boston Consulting Company	Consultation Firm	Consultation on C4ISR
The Brand Called You	Media Tech global platform	Interview
Cognet Integrated Business Solutions	Corporate	Talk on Good working Environment.
YPO – Young President’s Organisation	Corporate	Interaction – India, Pakistan, China.
Embryonic Foundation	NGO	Defence dialogue interview and interaction
MH Cockpits	Aviation courses	Chief guest, talk on airpower, technology and motivation, Podcast
Blue sky podcasts	Podcasts	Journey through IAF
Between US (Santosh Kumar)	Podcast	Leadership, geopolitics, airpower and security
Locomotive welfare association	Welfare Association	Chief guest and motivational talk.
Youth Parliament / Chatra Sansad	Youth Organisation	Motivational talk on discipline and tolerance.
Byjus	Education Company	Live Project on how does an aeroplane fly.
Bangalore International Centre	Social Organisation	Talk on “The Future of Conflict in an Asian Context”
SpkWthGrv	Talk Show	Life in IAF
BIAG India (International Aviation Games Board)	Board	Talk on Drones
Gurukul Ryan International The Scindia School, Gwalior	Schools	Chief guest during young CEO workshop – Motivational talk
New Horizon, Bangalore TAFS, Delhi	School	Motivational Talk
Destination India	National Journal	Article: “Airpower in Indian Context” in the special issue – Defence matters.
Peace Prints	South Asian Journal	Women in Armed Forces: Prospects and Challenges.
SP Aviation	Journal	Article on Future trends of fighter aircraft.

 

Enjoyed researching topics related to defence, security, geo-politics, technology, leadership and management etc. The posts were interspersed with some humour and quotes.

 

Looking forward to your continued

Support, Readership and Encouragement.

 

 

CREDITS:-

The credit for starting the blog goes to my course mate and friend Col Murali. He provided me the space, encouraged me and held my hand initially.

Very encouraging message from Murli:-

Air Marshal Anil Khosla has had an amazing career in the Indian Air Force. He is one of those rare warriors blessed with the right mix of a soldier and a scholar; a true Scholar-Warrior.

His blog (“Air Marshal’s Perspective”) posts are brimming with strategic insights and are a goldmine for any student of Air Warfare. Yet, they are also refreshingly straightforward, making them equally appealing to a simple soldier, empowering them with practical knowledge. I am truly in awe of Anil’s unwavering dedication, consistently posting for the past four years, culminating in an astounding 500-plus posts today. His commitment is truly inspiring and commands respect.

Here, I would like to mention how it all started. It was the year 2016, and Dec 16th was the much-awaited reunion day for the 55th course NDA. To compile the phone numbers and addresses of our coursemates, I created a simple page on a free website platform. It was a kind of fun activity; nothing very serious. One thing led to the other, and today, we have our portal 55nda.com, which hosts Anil Khosla’s blog. As a self-styled, self-taught infantry soldier, I didn’t expect the site to get much traction. Today, I must say it is Anil Khosla’s blog hosting 55nda.com. That’s where all the hits come.

The poet-philosopher in Anil is seen in the posts classified as “Shiqurdu”, a thought-provoking verse in a mix of Hindi and Urdu. All posts are neatly classified into different categories, which is a treasure trove for any student of Air Power. My best wishes to Anil to reach higher and higher; the sky has no limit.

 

Credit also goes to another course mate Vicky Sheorey for getting me all the equipment needed for video conference and recordings.

 

 

 

AIR MARSHAL ANIL KHOSLA (RETD) 

PVSM AVSM VM

 

• Indian Air Force Veteran: Former Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Indian Air Force.

 

• Born on 09 Apr 1959, commissioned on 14 Dec 1979 and retired on 30 Apr 2019.

 

• Air Marshal Anil Khosla, a distinguished alumnus of the National Defence Academy, was commissioned in the fighter stream of the Indian Air Force. His career, marked by over 4,000 hours of accident-free flying, is a testament to his exceptional skills and dedication. His expertise on various aircraft, including the Jaguar, Mig-21, and Kiran, and his proficiency in both Ground attack and Air Defence roles, particularly in the maritime role, set him apart in the Indian Air Force.

 

• Awards. Air Marshal Anil Khosla’s distinguished service has been recognized with three presidential awards: the Param Vishisht Seva Medal, the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal, and the Vayu Sena Medal. His commendation by the CAS and the AOC-in-C during the flying training period as a cadet further underscores his exceptional service and dedication to the Indian Air Force.

 

• Air Marshal Anil Khosla is a post-graduate from the Defence Services Staff College. He is an A2 category flying instructor and a fighter strike leader. His academic prowess is evident from his standing first in the order of merit in all the attended courses, including the Flying Instructor Course, Fighter Strike Leaders Course, Junior Command Course, and Staff Course. He was awarded the commandant’s medal during the Higher Command Course at Army War College and has attended the Senior Defence Management course at the College of Defence Management and the course at National Defence College, further solidifying his academic and professional achievements.

 

While in Service:

• During his service, Air Marshal Anil Khosla played a pivotal role in the DOKLAM operations against China and the BALAKOT strike against Pakistan. His leadership and strategic acumen were instrumental in these operations, further solidifying his reputation in the Indian Air Force.

 

• At higher ranks, Air Marshal Anil Khosla held pivotal appointments that underscored his leadership and strategic acumen. These include serving as the VCAS (Vice Chief of Air Staff), AOC-in-C (Air officer Commanding – in – Chief) Eastern Air Command, Director General Air Operations (DGAO), Senior Air Staff Officer (SASO) Central Air Command, Air Officer Commanding J&K (along with NC of Army), and AOC Maritime air operations (Along with Navy). His contributions in these roles have been instrumental in shaping the Indian Air Force’s operations and strategies.

 

• Throughout his career, Air Marshal Anil Khosla has served in all the operational commands of the IAF in all sectors. He has commanded two important operational Bases, Ambala and Jaisalmer, which provided him with a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects of the Indian Air Force.

 

• He has worked extensively with the Army and Navy and has been associated with several Government Ministries and agencies, including NTRO, DRDO, ISRO, NDMA and defence PSUs.

 

• He was Involved with formulating Air Force War Plans, Force structure planning and capability building.

 

• He has handled (planned, monitored and executed) several internal and international Exercises and Disaster Relief situations, both within the country and abroad.

 

Academic: He Holds Two MPhil degrees in defence and strategic studies and is pursuing research on China (how does Dragon’s brain work).

• He has delivered talks on military subjects like Leadership, China, Pakistan, Air Power, maritime air operations, and IAF in military academic institutions, including the National Defence College (NDC), College of Air Warfare (CAW), Army War College (AWC), College of Naval Warfare (CNW), College of Defence Management (CDM), and Defence Services Staff College (DSSC).

 

• He has been a distinguished fellow at the United Services Institute (USI) and the Centre of Air Power Studies (CAPS). On the College of Air Warfare Journal and CAPS Journal (Blue Yonder) editorial board. Strategic Advisor – Aerospace and Defence division of the Synergia Foundation, Advisor Indus International Research Foundation. Instructor at Peninsula Foundation and worked with several think tanks and organisations.

 

• Academic work includes written papers (on air power, geopolitics, and security issues), the Conduct of Strategic Exercises, book reviews, mentoring, and motivational talks.

 

Hobbies and Interests:-

• A Keen Golfer, Billiards, Snooker and Pool player.
• His favourite pastime is puzzle solving, which he has pursued up to the National level (13 times Sudoku nationals and 04 times Puzzle-solving nationals).

Email: khuski@gmail.com

Blog:  http://55nda.com/blogs/anil-khosla/

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YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@anilkhosla15871

Social Media Handles

Linkedin:    https://www.linkedin.com/in/anil-khosla-6848a5179/

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/AnilKhosla16

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anil.khosla.733076

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anil.khosla.733076/

Discord:     Anil#7748

 

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References and credits

To all the online sites and channels.

 

Disclaimer:

Information and data included in the blog are for educational & non-commercial purposes only and have been carefully adapted, excerpted, or edited from reliable and accurate sources. All copyrighted material belongs to respective owners and is provided only for wider dissemination.