Indian Air Force (IAF) Vice Chief Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari stated that Operation Sindoor, in which India launched fewer than 50 air-launched weapons at Pakistani airbases and radar sites, compelled Pakistan to negotiate. The strikes, conducted on May 10, involved long-range weapons, reportedly including BrahMos missiles, launched by IAF jets and ground-based platforms. Within hours of the May 10 operation, Pakistan reached out to the United States for mediation and later contacted Indian authorities to propose a ceasefire.
Air Marshal Tiwari made these remarks during an interactive session at an aerospace power seminar. He highlighted the cost-benefit of air power, stating that "Less than 50 weapons can bring the adversary to the talking table...that is an example that needs to be studied and will be studied (by scholars)". He cited the strikes on 11 Pakistani air bases as a prime example of air power's effectiveness in modern conflict.
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized the need for constant operational readiness, noting the operation's ongoing relevance. He stressed that the armed forces need to maintain "very high" operational readiness round-the-clock and throughout the year because Operation Sindoor "still continues". General Chauhan also noted that the rapid advances in technology and the ongoing geopolitical churn have ushered in "a third revolution in warfare". He said that the Indian military needs "information warriors, technology warriors and scholar warriors" geared for multi-domain operations and that it is essential for the military to learn both 'shastra' (warfare/weapons) and 'shaastra' (knowledge).
While Air Marshal Tiwari did not specify the weapons used during the May 7-10 hostilities, the IAF deployed Sukhoi-30MKI, Rafale, and Mirage-2000 fighters. An India TV News report suggests that Pakistan was targeted using Rafale-launched SCALP missiles and SU-30 MKI-launched BrahMos missiles, destroying the northern air command-control network at Nur Khan airbase in Chaklala during the first strike. The Indian Air Force's last strike targeted Jacobabad and Bholari air bases, which reports say turned decisive, forcing Pakistan to approach the US to intervene. The Russian-made weaponry destroyed a Pakistani SAAB-2000 airborne early warning system almost 300 km deep inside Pakistan. The Hindustan Times report claims that the Indian Air Force also has proof of the damage caused to the Pakistani fighter jets, including one C-130 J medium lift aircraft, a JF-17, and two F-16 fighters. In an Indian strike by a HARPY kamikaze drone at Lahore, Pakistan is reported to have lost a Chinese-made LY-80 air defence system.
Air Marshal Tewari also discussed the evolving dynamics of air warfare, emphasizing that manned fighter jets would continue to play a critical role in coercive diplomacy. He stated that “A manned fighter jet can send the right signal and holds an edge over unmanned platforms, at least for now,”. At the same time, he acknowledged the increasing relevance of UAVs and armed drones, noting their destructive capabilities and growing role in modern-day battles.
The seminar was attended by top military leadership, including Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, and Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.
