Tag: war

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Q & A ON INDIA-CHINA STAND OFF

 

Pic courtesy: internet

 

Gist of replies to questions by a researcher on the subject.

 

Q1. How is the IAF acting as a force multiplier in the India-China military standoff in Ladakh?

 

  • The question needs rephrasing. IAF is an active participant and contributor towards dealing with the situation.

 

  • It is a national situation, requiring a whole of nation (i.e. all tools of statecraft) approach.

 

  • The defence services (Indian Air Force included) are doing the needful jointly and synergistically.

 

  • IAF undertakes missions to accomplish its roles and tasks (like any other defence force), including:-

 

    • Political and strategic signalling. By deploying and operating aircraft, weapons and systems at appropriate places. Also by carrying out exercises in these areas.

 

    • Rapid mobility, troop induction, and transfer. Rapid troop mobilisation undertaken by the IAF surprised everyone.

 

    • Sustenance and supply (equipment, ammunition, weapons, rations, etc.). All IAF resources including heavy-lift aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, and helicopters are used for this task.

 

    • Saving valuable lives by casualty evacuation and medical support as and when required.

 

    • Enhancement of situational awareness by reconnaissance and information sharing by using all the reconnaissance assets and sharing information rapidly through its networked communication systems.

 

    • Joint planning and monitoring by working synergistically with sister surface services.

 

    • Training and equipping to meet challenges by periodic review of immediate, mid-term, and long-term plans.

 

  • All the assets of IAF are always available and are used to deal with prevailing or emerging situations.

 

Q2. How will you assess the IAF’s preparedness in case there’s a hot war between India and China at the LAC?

 

  • IAF is always prepared for any eventuality. It is a capable, motivated and battle-hardened force.

 

  • Please refer to the Global Air Powers Ranking (2023) by WDMMA (World Directory of Modern Military Aircraft, which provides the current ranking of the various air forces of the world. (https://www.wdmma.org/ranking.php)

 

  • It does not base its assessment purely on numerical strength but carries out a holistic analysis of numerous factors to ascertain warfighting capability.

 

  • According to the latest report, the IAF is a few points ahead in its war-waging capabilities, despite being short numerically.

 

  • Moreover, IAF always works on two plans. First plan to fight immediately with whatever it has. The second one is to enhance its potential (capability and capacity) in the short, mid and long term.

 

  • These plans are periodically reviewed, revised and activated.

 

  • This edge needs to be maintained. The warfighting capabilities have built up over the years however, it is the capacity (war endurance) that needs enhancement on priority. Appropriate actions have been initiated and they need to be executed speedily.

 

Suggestions and value additions are most welcome

 

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IAF STRATEGIES: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

 

Article Published in the book on

India’s Military Strategy

 

 

Book released by Gyan Chakra: Western Army Command Think Tank

 

 

IAF STRATEGIES: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE

 

“The art of winning a war can be learnt by understanding some rules (Strategies) and then applying them in a practical manner.”

―  Chanakya & the Art of War: excerpts

 

Introduction

 

Aerospace power is a decisive factor and a game-changer in the current context of geostrategic uncertainties. The application of aerospace power, although looks simple but is a complex process. Major roles of aerospace power during war include shaping the environment, offensive force application, and synergising the operations with surface forces, but aerospace power plays a pivotal role during peace and transition from peace to war.

 

Military strategy refers to the art and science of planning and directing military operations and campaigns. It involves the development of plans and tactics for the use of military force in achieving specific objectives, whether in a single battle or a larger campaign. Military strategy is based on the analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of both one’s own forces and those of the enemy, as well as the political and social context of the conflict. The military strategy typically involves a number of components, including, objectives, force structure, and deployment, logistics, tactics, intelligence, communications, risk assessment, etc. Effective military strategy requires careful planning and execution, as well as flexibility and adaptation based on changing circumstances. Successful military leaders must be able to think creatively, make quick decisions under pressure, and inspire and motivate their troops to achieve their objectives.

 

Air warfare strategy, a subset of military strategy, is the art of planning and directing overall air operations, and it depends on several factors. Effective air strategy requires careful consideration of these factors and needs to adapt to changing circumstances and situations. 

 

The air strategy of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has evolved over a period of time, reflecting changes in strategic priorities, operational environment, doctrine and technology. While it is worthwhile to trace the evolutionary process of the past, it is also valuable to look at the ones to deal with existing challenges and suggest some future strategies.

 

Air Strategies & Influencing Factors

 

Continue reading “IAF STRATEGIES: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE”

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AEROSPACE POWER STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH MULTIPLE THREATS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES

 

 

Article published in the inaugural issue of “Blue Yonder”, a Journal published by the Centre for Air Power Studies.

 

Peculiarity: There are no references (except from the quote below), and it has been written drawing from own experiences and impressions.

 

“Strategy is a broad concept, embracing an objective, resources, and a plan for using those resources to achieve the objective”.

 – William P. Snyder

 

Introduction

 

Aerospace power is a decisive factor and a game-changer in any war. The application of aerospace power, although looks simple but is a complex process. Major roles of Aerospace power during war include shaping the environment, offensive force application, and synergising the operations with surface forces.

 

Resources influence strategy, especially at the strategic and operational levels. Air Resources are costly and generally limited. The availability of resources depends upon factors like cost, affordability, and national objectives and priorities. A superpower like the USA has adequate air resources to distribute them among all the services (Air Force, Army, Navy, and Marines) and all the theatres (covering the entire Globe). Others have to manage with whatever they have and can afford.

 

The problem becomes accentuated when a nation faces more than one enemy, individually or collusively, and on multiple fronts. In such a scenario one does not have the luxury of keeping the air assets idle, and they have to be utilised optimally to achieve the desired objectives. Innovative strategies need to be devised for the effective utilisation of assets in such situations.

 

Aerospace Power Strategies.

 

Continue reading “AEROSPACE POWER STRATEGIES TO DEAL WITH MULTIPLE THREATS WITH LIMITED RESOURCES”