India’s Military Strategy<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Book released by Gyan Chakra: Western Army Command Think Tank<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n IAF STRATEGIES: PAST PRESENT AND FUTURE<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u201cThe art of winning a war can be learnt by understanding some rules (Strategies) and then applying them in a practical manner.\u201d<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u2015\u00a0 Chanakya & the Art of War: excerpts<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Introduction<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Air Strategies & Influencing Factors<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strategy is a broad concept that embraces objectives, resources, and a plan for using those resources to achieve the objective.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/span>– William P. Snyder<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Air strategy is the process of coordinating the development, deployment, and employment of aerospace power assets to achieve National Security Objectives. It flows through the Joint Military Strategy and is laterally interlinked with the land and maritime strategies. Air Strategy should cover and must be specific to the entire spectrum of war, no war no peace, and peace. Air warfare strategy typically involves conceptualisation and articulation of several key campaigns focussed on effectively and efficiently achieving stated military objectives and could include offensive counter-air to achieve the desired degree of control of the air, defensive counter-air for protection, strategic air operations, force application to shape the battlefield, Intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR), electronic warfare, etc. Effective air warfare strategy requires the integration of these components into a cohesive plan that can be executed efficiently and effectively.\u00a0 Air warfare strategy also requires careful consideration of the risks involved, including the possibility of collateral damage and the potential for escalation of the conflict besides imponderables like weather.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The aerospace power could be applied to deter, deny, coerce, or punish during No War No Peace (NWNP) situations. The strategies employed would be for external or internal security operations, shaping the zone of operation, and information dominance to improve situational awareness and command and control. The peacetime strategy of aerospace power deals essentially with sovereignty protection, deterrence, air diplomacy, and nation-building by assisting the government and other agencies during HADR situations.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Factors Influencing Air Strategy<\/u>. Several factors dictate air strategy. Effective air strategy requires careful consideration of these factors, as well as the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, to take advantage of new opportunities as they arise. These factors include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Evolution of IAF Strategies<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Historic Perspective<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Like the role of air power in the last century, the air strategy of the Indian Air Force (IAF) has evolved, reflecting changes in technology, doctrine, and strategic priorities. Some key milestones in the evolution of the air strategy of the IAF are:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Genesis & Early Years<\/u>. The Indian Air Force was established in British India as an auxiliary air force of the Royal Air Force on 8 Oct 1932, with four Westland Wapiti biplanes and five Indian pilots. The then Royal IAF (RIAF) grew in size during World War II to eventually ten squadrons. In the early years of the IAF, the primary focus was on providing air support to British and Commonwealth ground forces. During World War II, the IAF played a significant role in the Burma campaign by halting the advance of the Japanese army, by providing air cover and support for ground troops. IAF evolved initially in a tactical role primarily to support surface and maritime wars.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Partition in 1947.<\/u> Indian Air Force (IAF) of independent India came into being with seven squadrons (six fighter squadrons and one transport squadron). By then the IAF had a well-established professional ethos and a reputation to live up to.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Indo-Pakistani War of 1947<\/u>. Almost immediately after Independence, India, and Pakistan clashed over the future of Kashmir. On the first day itself on 27 October 1947, an infantry battalion was airlifted from Delhi to Srinagar. IAF thereafter carried out air operations (airlift of troops and supplies, photo-reconnaissance, bombing, strafing, and interdiction), in support of surface forces. The air power usage was tactical and reactionary to emerging situations.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Initial Growth<\/u>. The decade of the 1950s saw the induction of aircraft and support systems, both in quantity and quality, into the IAF.\u00a0 During this period, the IAF acquired its first jet fighters and transport aircraft and India began to develop its own indigenous aircraft and weapons systems. IAF began to shift its focus to defending India’s borders and air space, and its capabilities started developing beyond the limited scope of the support role.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n 1962 war<\/u>. The ground reality in 1962 was that IAF had relatively potent air power with Western aircraft vis-a-vis old Russian aircraft with China. Despite a clear combat edge, the fighter component of the air force was not used during the Sino-Indian conflict of 1962. There has been a general reluctance to use air power due to the perceived fear of escalation of conflict, which was evident even up to the 1999 Kargil conflict and has changed since the Balakot strike in 2019. However, post-war it was decided to build up the IAF strength to 45 squadrons.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Indo-Pakistani War of 1965<\/u>. In 1965, the IAF gave a good account in the skies and in support of ground operations. Air superiority in specific terms was not contested by either side. IAF provided close air support to help the Army stem Pak armoured thrusts. Eventually, the Pakistan offensive was stopped, and the war ceased. After the war, the IAF continued to acquire modern combat aircraft and had 39 combat aircraft squadrons by 1971. It also improved tactics and techniques based on the lessons of the 1965 war. IAF decided the war priorities in sequence to be air defence, support to surface forces, and offensive action to counter or neutralise or counter the enemy air.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The Indo-Pakistani War of 1971<\/u>. In 1971 the IAF was in much better shape in qualitative and quantitative terms than the PAF. This was the first time the IAF actively engaged the enemy air force. IAF achieved complete air superiority over the eastern wing of Pakistan within a few days. Air operations included close air support and air cover to the Indian Army, independent raid missions against Pakistani Air Force bases, assistance to Indian Navy in maritime operations, offensive attacks on enemy armour, and strategic bombing. IAF played a pivotal role in the victory, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh, and it was probably the high point for the IAF. In this war, IAF carried out all air campaigns in parallel.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Modernization and Expansion (1980-2000):<\/u> To retain relevance in the evolving operational environment with the induction of modern aircraft and systems in the immediate neighbourhood, in the 1980s and 1990s, the IAF modernised itself with advanced aircraft, weapons, and sensors, and expanded its capabilities to include strategic airlift.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Power Projection Abroad.<\/u> During 1987-90 IAF was involved with operations in Sri Lanka and Maldives. IAF established an “air bridge” between mainland India and Sri Lanka for the Indian Peace Keeping Force (IPKF). Although combat aircraft were not used, IAF helicopters provided fire support for the army. In 1988, IAF undertook Operation Cactus, wherein, it flew at least a battalion of paratroopers, more than 1000 Miles away to Maldives when rebels attempted to overthrow the government. In these operations, the IAF demonstrated its ability to project forces on short notice.<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Kargil Operations 1999.<\/u> Kargil operations demonstrated once again the impact of air power in the achievement of objectives. The IAF flew hundreds of strike missions supported by combat patrols and escorts. Air power was employed in a very innovative way in high altitudes. <\/em>The Kargil War forced the IAF to rethink aerial strategies as it attempted to orchestrate an aerial campaign at altitudes of 14,000 to 18,000 feet against well-camouflaged targets.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Balakot Strike<\/u>. A game-changer shift took place on 26 February 2019, when India decided to use offensive air power by carrying out deep strikes against targets in Pakistan even beyond the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The myth about the use of air power being escalatory in nature was broken.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Strategic Transformation<\/u>. Originally the IAF had formed purely for the requirements of the British interests of its Empire, its roles and responsibilities were limited to tactical applications of air power. Post-independence also the application of air power continued to remain tactical in nature. It was only in 1971 that the IAF carried out strategic effect-based operations with air campaigns in parallel. In the first decade of this century, IAF inducted airborne early warning, and aerial refuelling capability leading to an increase in strategic reach along with conventional deterrence. The transformation of the Indian Air Force from a tactical air power to a strategic one had begun, and subsequently, the pace picked up for it to become a broad-spectrum air force in future.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Doctrinal Evolution<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n IAF formally formulated and published its first doctrine in 1995. This was the basic doctrine covering air assets, tasks, and campaigns. Thereafter, the doctrine was revised in 2012 and the latest version has been released in 2022. The salient aspects of these editions are in the succeeding paragraphs.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 1995 doctrine<\/u>. The IAF was the first among the three services in India to formulate a doctrine in 1995.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2012 Doctrine.<\/u> This version of the doctrine went beyond outlining what airpower is, to establish a connection between airpower and national security. It brought out the greater role of air power in the full spectrum of national security and diplomacy. Relevant additions were as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n 2022 doctrine<\/u>. The major differences from the previous doctrine are as follows:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Air Strategies to Deal with the Current Situation<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Challenges<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n India faces two nuclear-powered inimical neighbours. China is emerging as a major regional power with the aspiration to be a global power and her desire to dominate Asia and finally, the world has implications for India. India\u2019s relations with China are changing from cooperative to competitive to combative. China also continues to enhance its strategic presence in the Indian Ocean Region and is investing in the littoral countries to achieve a foot-hold and extend influence. China sees India as a competitor and would like to keep India off-balance. China’s warfare strategy is focused on developing a modern and capable force that can support its national security interests and regional\/global ambitions. The Chinese forces are undergoing significant modernisation and expansion at a rapid pace, with particular emphasis on developing advanced technologies and capabilities. Some key elements of China’s warfare strategy include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Pakistan remains a security threat and continues to use non-state actors to maintain a situation of unrest. Asymmetric warfare will remain an instrument of its state policy. Pakistan\u2019s strategy would continue to be, to wage proxy war and in the event of an escalation, use the nuclear card.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0China \u2013 Pak Collusive Challenge.<\/u> China\u2019s increasing economic and political ties with Pakistan influence the geostrategic balance of the region. China has strategic interests in using Pakistani territory to reach West Asia and Africa and has invested in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that connects the Xinjiang region in West China to the China-built-and-operated Gwadar port near the Gulf of Hormuz. In case of a conflict between India and Pakistan, China would posture along the northern and eastern border to keep the Indian military divided. Pakistan openly boasts of collusive support from China in case of a war with India. These two countries have a close and longstanding strategic partnership that includes cooperation even in areas of defence and security. China has even helped Pakistan militarily to acquire technologies for its nuclear weapons and missile program. In the context of air warfare, there are a number of ways in which China and Pakistan collaborate to enhance their respective capabilities. This includes Joint development of aircraft (JF-17 Thunder), supply of advanced aircraft (including the J-10 and J-11), supplying defence systems and technologies, and training and exercises.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Recent Lessons<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n At this juncture, it is important to pick up lessons from various conflicts going around the globe to evolve a suitable strategy for the Indian operational environment.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lessons from Recent Wars<\/u>. Recent wars, such as the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Libya, and Ukraine have provided several important lessons for air strategy. Some key lessons include:<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/55nda.com\/blogs\/anil-khosla\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/d77183a8-e3b6-49f5-8622-aebd9d6aec7c-300x300.jpg\")
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