With pre-emptive strike, IAF demonstrated ability to perform complex missions

For the first time since Independence, the IAF has been recognised as being capable of operating independently when the element of surprise, speed and assured results were warranted.

Mirage, Awacs, Sukhoi, Popeye: How IAF took down Jaish training camp — This operation was conducted on a dark night by 12 Mirage-2000 aircraft in a surprise attack, operating from Gwalior. (File Photo)

February 26, 2019, will go down as a historic day for the Indian air force (IAF). On this day, it was called upon to conduct a pre-emptive strike against a Pakistani terrorist camp at Balakot. This operation was conducted on a dark night by 12 Mirage-2000 aircraft in a surprise attack, operating from Gwalior.

The mission was supported by SU-30MKI, Netra AWACS aircraft and an unspecified number of tanker aircraft. All the aircraft reportedly reached home safely after conducting the mission. The government has called it a “non-military pre-emptive strike”, but the aim of the mission was retribution for the attack by Pakistan-sponsored terrorists on the CRPF convoy at Pulwama in which 40 CRPF soldiers were killed.

For the first time since Independence, the IAF has been recognised as being capable of operating independently when the element of surprise, speed and assured results were warranted. It is a proud moment indeed for the whole nation to see the IAF rise to the occasion and reportedly execute such a critical mission to perfection.

The mission launched was a complex one. It required excellent coordination between a variety of aircraft as well as diverse skills, which were amply demonstrated. The attack was reportedly spearheaded by 12 Mirage-2000 aircraft. The spearhead was supported by Netra, the indigenous Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) comprising detection radar and systems with the ability to monitor an adversary’s air activity and transmissions and accordingly control the strike elements.

Conceived by the IAF and designed by the DRDO to support and accompany strike missions, the Netra is small, reasonably fast and more manoeuvrable compared to its larger counterpart, the IL 76 AWACS of the IAF. This is the first time that the Netra has been used to support an offensive mission. The DRDO deserves a pat on its back.

Additionally, it is reported that SU-30 aircraft were used to mount patrol. Their purpose was to engage enemy interceptors launched against the strike elements. Their job was to protect the strike elements and ensure that the mission goes through. Precision-guided weapons and sensors like the Litening Targeting pod that were employed are sophisticated systems which require highly-trained engineers and technicians to prepare.