One year after Operation Sindoor reshaped India’s military doctrine, former Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal SP Dharkar joined Axis for a sharp and candid conversation on the operation, Pakistan’s propaganda war, and the future of modern aerial combat. In this exclusive conversation, Air Marshal Dharkar reflected on the planning behind India’s response after the Pahalgam terror attack, the precision strikes on terror infrastructure, and the key lessons learned.
Debunking Fake Claims
He also responded to the fake viral claims pushed by pro-Pakistan social media accounts alleging he was “removed” for refusing to fight Pakistan. Dharkar categorically denied these allegations, calling them baseless and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign. He emphasized that the Indian Air Force operates with the highest professionalism and that such lies are intended to undermine India's military credibility.
Beyond-Visual-Range Air Combat
The former IAF Vice Chief explained why Operation Sindoor may represent one of the world’s first real examples of beyond-visual-range air combat between two nuclear-armed adversaries equipped with modern aircraft, advanced weapons, and network-centric warfare systems. He detailed how India's air strategy leveraged advanced sensors, data links, and long-range missiles to engage targets at distances exceeding visual range, setting a new benchmark for aerial warfare.
Lessons Learned
Air Marshal Dharkar highlighted several key lessons from the operation, including the importance of integrated air defense, real-time intelligence, and rapid decision-making. He stressed that the successful strikes on terror infrastructure were a result of meticulous planning and coordination among all branches of the armed forces.
Tune in for a rare insider perspective from one of India’s senior-most air warriors, as he provides a comprehensive analysis of the operation and its implications for future conflicts.
