From Safed Sagar to Sindoor: Renaissance of Indian Airpower
Operation Safed Sagar showed Indian air power's Kargil War improvisations. Operation Sindoor in 2025 demonstrated a transformed, decisive air force. Technological advancements and improved training fueled this significant transformation. Joint doctrinal maturity and political resolve also played crucial roles. Indian air power is now a strategic instrument shaping outcomes at speed.
The Netflix series Operation Safed Sagar has gained significant attention in India. It chronicles the Indian Air Force's (IAF) high-altitude campaign during the 1999 Kargil War, focusing on the exploits of No. 17 Squadron, also known as the Golden Arrows, along with other squadrons' operations. While reviews have been mixed, popular cinema often shapes collective memory more than official histories.
The 1999 Kargil War was a challenging victory against all odds, and it remains a part of our national memory. Although Pakistan is blamed for deceit, we cannot ignore the courage, fortitude, and sacrifice of the airmen and soldiers involved. However, we must recognize that the victory came at a great cost in lives and resources.
In May 2025, the IAF faced a very different situation following the 22 April Pahalgam terrorist attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians. Operation Sindoor, launched on the night of 6/7 May, targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and the PoK (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) with great care taken to avoid collateral damage and civilian casualties.
The IAF struck with precision and responsibility, striking military targets across Pakistan without seeking safe havens. The entire campaign lasted less than 90 hours and required fewer than 50 air-delivered weapons.
The transformation of the IAF in the last two decades can be attributed to four key factors: equipment, training, doctrinal maturity, and jointness. The IAF now possesses a more relevant inventory of platforms and munitions, with advanced targeting systems and layered air-defense systems. The force projection capabilities have improved significantly, and high-fidelity simulators, realistic multi-domain exercises, and participation in international war games have made the IAF adept at night operations, stand-off delivery, and tactics in contested environments.
Additionally, joint fires have functioned seamlessly from the outset, with the IAF demonstrating the ability to synchronize its efforts with the Army effectively.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
