If you have heard about Longewala, I presume you know of how just six Hunter aircraft and a handful of pilots managed to stop a Pakistani armored column in the absence of any significant Indian army assets to prevent that advance. Admittedly those Hunters had the advantage of lack of opposition by the Pakistan air force, but the action is an illustration of how air power acts as a force multiplier even when the absolute numbers of aircraft are small. Local air dominance of course would be desirable.Misraji wrote:Yes I have. Its not exactly what I thought I would get to learn.shiv wrote:I presume you have heard of Longewala?
But thanks. Appreciate the response.
--Ashish
The army has complained (all armies complain about this) and Air Cmdre Jasjit Singh has also noted that men on a battlefront appreciate air power back up, but the Air Force is unable to provide that back up every time. India got lucky in Longewala. The Air Force feel that they do not have enough assets for every inch of battle front and that they are better off cutting C&C and logistics inside enemy territory rather than cherry picking on the battlefront. This makes a difference in the medium tern, but the frontline soldier is looking for more immediate assistance. The jawan on the front wants, and needs close air support. The army has taken it upon itself to provide that close air support. Even two helicopters can make a difference if applied exactly where they are needed and exactly when they are needed.