‘It was air power that did the trick’: IAF chief says attacked Pakistan within hours; hails operational capability
NEW DELHI: IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Wednesday emphasising the central role of air power in modern warfare, said the IAF has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to deliver swift and decisive outcomes – including the capability to strike multiple targets in Pakistan within hours – and called for greater focus on strengthening this arm of military power.Addressing the 22nd Subroto Mukerjee Seminar, the Air Chief pointed to recent global and domestic conflicts to underline how air power has emerged as the most effective tool in achieving strategic objectives.
“What is happening around the world and what has happened in India… which part of military power which has come in handy… which has delivered what was required to be delivered… I think I don’t have to name it – it is the air power,” Singh said.He said air power had proven its effectiveness across a range of missions, from humanitarian evacuations to combat operations.“Whether it is getting people out of conflict zones, like we did it in Sudan or whether it is giving a blow to the terrorist infrastructure and their perpetrators or whether it is attacking multiple bases in Pakistan in a matter of a few hours to send a signal that enough is enough and bring them to their knees,” he said.“It was air power that did the trick and that has to be remembered,” the Air Chief added.Singh stressed that if India wants to be “a force to reckon with,” sustained attention and investment in air power capabilities would be critical, particularly in an evolving security environment marked by rapid escalation and the need for swift response.The remarks come amid ongoing discussions with respect to defence establishment on force modernisation and the changing nature of warfare, where speed, reach and precision are increasingly decisive factors.
