NEW DELHI: Operation Sindoor demonstrated how a well-coordinated and networked military campaign can lead to decisive outcomes, a senior Indian Air Force (IAF) official said on Tuesday. Vice Chief of Air Staff (VCAS) Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, speaking at a defence seminar, emphasised that without a “good and robust network,” the operation might not have achieved the same level of success.
Highlighting the evolution of India’s integrated defence network, Air Marshal Tiwari said that over the past two decades, the system has developed to provide a comprehensive “air picture” of the nation — enabling continuous monitoring for potential threats. He underlined the crucial role played by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the IAF in the success of Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in May.
Operation Sindoor, launched in the early hours of May 7, saw India carry out precise strikes that destroyed multiple terror infrastructures across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded with its own offensives, prompting a series of Indian counter-strikes under the same operation. The conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbours ended on the evening of May 10, following a mutual understanding.
“Operation Sindoor has shown how effective an operation can be when we are properly networked and equipped to make informed decisions,” Air Marshal Tiwari said. “Had it not been for a robust network, we might have succeeded—but not with the same efficiency and precision that we demonstrated.”
The seminar, titled ‘C4I2 & Net-centric Warfare India 2025’, was organised by the Centre for Aerospace Power and Strategic Studies (CAPSS) and Indian Military Review at Subroto Park, New Delhi.
Speakers at the event discussed the growing importance of command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, and interoperability (C4I2), as well as the increasing significance of net-centric warfare in modern conflicts.
Chief of Integrated Defence Staff, Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, described Operation Sindoor as a “watershed moment in India’s defence history.” He also highlighted the pivotal role of indigenous technologies and AI-driven tools in the operation, which was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack.
“Homegrown technology gave us both freedom and agility on the battlefield,” Air Marshal Dixit said.
