Kargil to Balakot: The Tumultuous Journey of Indian Air Power

The conceptual and capability changes in a kinetic force remain intertwined with the prevailing and emerging security scenarios. Air power, a key kinetic capability, being technology dependent, needs continuous re-equipping and up gradation. The force structure and organisation too need to adapt to ensure optimal exploitation of available capability. Indian air power has transformed in the last two decades and expanded its capability in all critical facets. The Indian Air Force, in particular, has positioned itself to deliver the punch that today’s geopolitics may require: swift, deep, effective, precise, and contained in terms of collateral. With the changing character of war, there is a need to relook at the capability growth plan for air power for it to be relevant in future. With finite financial outlays, rebalancing various facets of air power is essential to achieve the desired end goal.