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
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