Operation Pawan: Role of Airpower with IPKF

Operation Pawan was independent India’s first and only out-of-country operation which commenced as a peace-keeping operation but soon got converted into peace-enforcing one. It provided unique operational challenges for all three components of the Indian armed forces. Air power played a significant role in every facet of the operation whether it be Induction of forces, logistics support, casualty air evacuation, Reconnaissance, close air support, special heliborne operation or deinduction. The IPC was dependent on air power even for its day-to-day sustenance. It was an operation where fixed and rotary wing aircraft of the Indian armed forces flew near to a hundred thousand sorties over a period of 2½ years – A stupendous effort however one considers it. The determination, courage and bravery that the crews displayed when operating in an extremely hostile environment was exemplary.