Source: The Forum
The Forum published an editorial on October 18 titled "Lessons the Indian Air Force Did Not Learn from 'Operation Red Flag'". It argues that future warfare will shift to "beyond-visual-range" (BVR) strikes rather than close combat, and inter-service coordination is more critical than the performance of air force aircraft. The Indian Air Force should reflect on its performance during "Operation Red Flag" and embrace joint operations. The author, Harinder Singh, is a retired Indian Navy Admiral.
On May 7, 2025, the Pakistan Air Force shot down multiple Indian aircraft, including a Rafale, through meticulous strategic deployment. Subsequently, India adjusted its strategy, using air-to-ground missiles for precise strikes to destroy Pakistani military assets and claimed victory. For a long time, India has been reluctant to acknowledge its operational shortcomings. For example, during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, an Indian helicopter was shot down by friendly fire, exposing flaws in India's pre-war preparation and military training. Similar issues reappeared in "Operation Red Flag": advanced Indian aircraft failed to break through Pakistani defense systems and did not gain strategic air superiority.
The key lessons from "Operation Red Flag" and other battles are that future aerial combat is likely to expand into the "beyond-visual-range" (BVR) range, with decreasing frequency of close combat. In this context, quantity, sensor capabilities, and missile capabilities are more important than expensive airframe platforms, and a small number of aircraft equipped with superior BVR weapons can meet operational needs. Therefore, India needs to develop its own fifth- and sixth-generation fighter jets. On one hand, current precision-guided Brahmos missiles and similar weapons can almost cover the entire territory of Pakistan from land or sea, so the primary task of the Indian military is air combat and gaining air superiority, while strategic strike missions should be entrusted to strategic forces and other services. On the other hand, the Indian military could also equip the Brahmos missile with the Army and Navy, achieving similar results as in "Operation Red Flag" and reducing the risks faced by the Air Force assets.
Notably, the Chief of the Indian Air Force still resists the "jointification" of operations promoted by the Defense Minister and emphasizes the procurement of more Rafale aircraft, refusing to be integrated into the joint operations system. For decades, the Indian Air Force has operated relatively independently, pursuing glory, but rarely coordinating with other services. After "Operation Red Flag," the Chief of the Indian Air Force repeatedly requested meetings with the Defense Minister to re-examine related decisions, but the results have been minimal. In fact, during "Operation Red Flag," the Indian Army performed exceptionally well on the front lines, completing tasks using ground-to-air missiles, drones, and anti-drone operations, but such contributions were rarely reported. More regretfully, similar controversies are not new. The Indian Air Force has long been criticized for exaggerating its achievements and minimizing its mistakes. Unless the Indian Air Force enhances transparency and accepts being integrated into the joint operations system, it is highly likely to repeat past mistakes in the future.
The global aerial power landscape is rapidly changing, with drones, hypersonic weapons, AI-driven target identification and strikes reshaping air combat. If the Indian Air Force continues to cling to outdated concepts, expensive collective platforms, and isolated "individual glory," it will not only waste precious resources but also endanger national security. The leadership of the Indian Air Force must seriously address this issue, explain the reasons for recent defeats, propose improvement measures, and further determine the role of the air force in India's future strategic framework, the priority of equipment procurement, and its role within the joint operations system.
Original article: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7563821634303066658/
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