Ground wars would be rare in future: Retd IAF vice marshal

[JAISWAL]

~Ground wars would be rare in future: Retd IAF vice marshal Kapil Kak ~
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Source-- Ground wars would be rare in future: Retd IAF vice marshal Kapil Kak | idrw.org
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Published- February 19, 2012 | By admin
SOURCE TI-- Retired Air Vice Marshall Kapil Kak today said here that Indian Air Force (IAF) played a significant role in recapturing the Indian territory in the 1999 Kargil war, and such "ground wars" may not be seen in the future, as air forces and navies would play significant roles. "Indian army and air force were not prepared because they did not believe that geographically tough mountain terrain could be infiltrated (at the time of Kargil)," said Kak, currently an additional director, Centre for Air Power Studies, talking to reporters at `Youth Fiesta' organised by Jay, Genius and Gardi
school.
"In 1971, Indian army had proved its supremacy over Pakistan, and to take revenge, its army and militants occupied some areas in Kargil," he said.
Kargil could be one of the last "ground" wars, as both the countries possess nuclear weapons, and in future the Air Force and Navy would be playing a vital role if war-like situation breaks out, Kak said.
Reacting to a question on Kashmir, Kak said, "The situation in Kashmir is improving." G S Uban, a retired Major General, said: "The situation in Kashmir is now under control"¦in the past it was uncontrollable.

State government and civil society should work together to bring normalcy back in Kashmir, he said.

 

[JAISWAL]

IAF Chief feels that India can face any challenge

~IAF Chief feels that India can face any challenge~
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Source~~ IAF Chief feels that India can face any challenge | idrw.org
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The Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal NAK Browne said here today at the annual wreath laying ceremony at Shaheed Smarak that given the committed resolve of the people in uniform India can face any challenge.The Air Chief who led the gathering of ex-servicemen, civil and military dignitaries and school children, along with with Major General A K Parnaik and Rear Admiral Brijesh Jhang paid tributes to martyred soldiers on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, Air Chief Browne said, "today we remember and honour our fallen comrades for their indomitable will and deep conviction in the ideals that India stands for and making the supreme sacrifice in safeguarding them. Their examples inspires all of us who are in uniform today, strengthens our Nation's moralfibre and proves that given the committed resolve of our men and women in uniform, India can face any challenge."
The Air Chief said the nation should thank God for having such gallant men to live in our country.
"I salute all the bravehearts for their exemplary patriotism, which they have immortalized by making the supreme sacrifice in the line of duty.
To my mind, it would be wrong to mourn the sacrifices of these gallant men. Rather, we should thank God that such men indeed lived. Nothing can match their sacrifices to ensure that our Nation continues to prosper in a secure environment," said Browne.
Also present on the occasion was Lieutenant General (Retd) Sir Alistair Irwin, President, Royal British Legion Scotland and also Vice-Chairman, Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
The Shaheed Smarak located at Noida in Uttar Pradesh, was raised on April 13, 2002 in the memory of armed forces personnel who achieved martyrdom while defending the country.

 

[pmaitra]

"Ground wars would be rare in future" - now that is what I call is batting for the Air Force.

Wars are fought in the land, skies and water, but they are won by the boots on the ground.

 

[Ray]

I enjoyed that one that IAF played a major role in the Kargil War!

The PR is good!

Before the Iraq War, it was touted that the era of ground war was over and it would only air war that will be the decider.

However, the reality proved otherwise inspite of the huge expensive air effort put in!

Victory is measured in terms of real estate captured and not on the destruction caused!

 

[Bhadra]

Kapil Kak is an old timer IAF fan boy and has typical narrow views. He also suffers from inferiority complex that the IAF only kept standing on ground during 1948, 1962, 1965 and even 1971. IAF also refused to take part in Kargil operations and it had to be literally ordered to be in line. The biggest opponent of CDS system. His narrow preserve is IAF and for wrong reasons.

 

[JAISWAL]

in my view air-warfare is important, but to win a war one had to dominate the land war-fare also, otherwise situation will be hard.

 

[sayareakd]

Key is to rule air and space but boots are needed in ground, both are useless without other.

 

[mayfair]

Who's going to capture and hold on the territory, respectable Air Marshal sir?

 

[asianobserve]

"Ground wars would be rare in future" - now that is what I call is batting for the Air Force.

Wars are fought in the land, skies and water, but they are won by the boots on the ground.

This is true only if India has plans of invading and occupying other countries. But if India will only pursue terrorists to punish them then there's no need to occupy and hold a foreign piece of real estate.

For internal COIN, the police force can handle that.

 

[Bhadra]

Attrition and annihilation by the ground forces is the ultimate victory. the ground and victory belongs to the one who stands with boots over it . Those who fly may cause attrition but they do not determine victory on ground.

The simple fact that 2/3 of the Indian land border is not settled, is under dispute and has inimical forces facing opposite is simply glossed over or ignored by Marshals like Kapil Kak. We unlike American are not an expeditionary forces and organised to carry out campaigns thousands of miles away from our own country. So far, Indian forces are territory centric and shall remain so till we achieve settlement of our land borders.

If Air Marshal wants to fly over UK and win a war there he is welcome but so far India has no such dreams or plans. Our aim is to secure Indian borders which is not defended by air alone. Here, every piece matters and loss of any small territory is enough for a government fall tumbling down.

One single air violation is capable of igniting a shoot out on the ground and the last battle ultimately will be for the ground. It is indeed necessary to get covered from air to defend and secure that ground but going in the air without an objective on ground in the Indian context so far is far fetched and day dream.

We are neither NATO, Russia nor the USA. Our forces are not meant to teach lessons, secure colonies and kill Sadams. The day India reaches there, we might have independent air missions, only for air, by the air and nothing but air.

 

[W.G.Ewald]

"All your base are belong to us"