25 Years of Kargil War: Indian Air Force’s Top 5 Assets That Ensured Victory Over Kargil Peaks

Kargil, India: The Indian Air Force’s campaign against Pakistani forces dubbed Operation Safed Sagar was a pivotal aspect of the 1999 Kargil conflict between India and Pakistan. The battlefield was the rugged terrain of the Kargil district in Jammu and Kashmir.  

Meanwhile, the Indian Army was engaged against Pakistani ground forces under Operation Vijay within Indian territory. This military campaign aimed to reclaim strategically vital positions along the Line of Control (LoC) that were infiltrated by Pakistani troops. The Indian Air Force (IAF) played a crucial role in this endeavour through Operation Safed Sagar, working in close coordination with the Indian Army.

The conflict began with routine Electronic Intelligence (ELINT), photo, and aerial reconnaissance missions conducted by the IAF since early May. On May 21, an IAF Canberra PR57 on a reconnaissance mission faced adversity when it was hit by a Chinese-made Anza infrared surface-to-air missile. Despite this, the crew managed a remarkable return to Srinagar on a single engine, highlighting the perilous conditions under which operations were conducted.  

Central to India's success in this conflict was the decisive role played by the Indian Air Force (IAF), which deployed a range of sophisticated air assets to support ground operations and reclaim occupied territories along the Line of Control (LoC). Among these assets, the Mirage 2000, MiG-21, MiG-27, Jaguar, and Mil Mi-17 helicopters emerged as critical pillars of India's aerial strategy. From precision bombing missions to close air support and logistical operations, each aircraft type played a pivotal role in neutralizing Pakistani infiltrators and bolstering India's defensive posture in the challenging Himalayan terrain.  

As tensions escalated during the Kargil War in 1999, the Indian Air Force (IAF) swiftly mobilized its Mirage 2000 aircraft, marking a pivotal moment in aerial operations over the high Himalayas. Codenamed Operation Safed Sagar, the Mirage 2000 emerged as a critical asset, demonstrating its prowess in combat and significantly impacting the course of the conflict. 

On 25th May 1999, the IAF was tasked with coordinating joint operations alongside ground troops to reclaim strategic positions infiltrated by Pakistani forces. The Mirage 2000, recognized as the IAF's most advanced multi-role aircraft, was at the forefront of these operations, conducting its maiden sortie on 30th May under Operation Safed Sagar.  

Throughout the two-month conflict, the Mirage squadrons executed a total of 514 sorties, showcasing remarkable operational efficiency with only three dropouts. No. 1 Squadron played a pivotal role in conducting 274 air defense and strike escort missions, while No. 7 Squadron focused on precision strikes, executing 240 missions and delivering 55,000 kg (121,000 lb) of ordnance on enemy targets.  

The Mirage 2000's capability to operate effectively in the challenging terrain and extreme altitudes of the Himalayas was instrumental in turning the tide of battle in favor of Indian forces. Its sophisticated avionics, including radar and weapons systems, allowed for precision targeting and effective air support to ground troops engaged in fierce combat. 

The Mirage 2000 emerged as a cornerstone of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) operations during the Kargil War of 1999. Equipped with Laser-Guided Bombs (LGBs) and renowned for its precision bombing capabilities, the Mirage 2000 played a pivotal role in neutralizing heavily fortified Pakistani positions in the high-altitude regions of Kargil. Operated by skilled pilots, the Mirage 2000 conducted critical strikes on strategic locations like Tiger Hill, Muntho Dhalo, and Point 4388, effectively dislodging entrenched infiltrators and disrupting their supply lines. Its ability to deliver accurate strikes under challenging mountainous conditions significantly bolstered India's ground operations, marking a turning point in reclaiming occupied territories. 

Despite being primarily an air interception fighter, the MiG-21 showcased its adaptability in the Kargil conflict by undertaking ground attack roles. Operating from forward airbases in Srinagar, Awantipora, and Adampur, MiG-21s provided essential air cover and conducted ground attack missions against Pakistani positions. Their agility and capability to operate in restricted spaces proved crucial in supporting infantry units and securing strategic gains in the mountainous terrain of Kargil.

The Indian Air Force (IAF), historically the largest operator of MiG-21s, bid farewell to the iconic aircraft with a ceremonial flight over Uttarlai, Barmer district, Rajasthan on October 31, 2023. The MiG-21, which entered service in 1964 as India's first supersonic fighter jet, marked a significant milestone in the nation's aviation history.

Originally chosen by the IAF over several Western competitors in 1961, the MiG-21 came with full transfer of technology and rights for local assembly as part of the deal with the Soviet Union. Over the decades, various versions of the MiG-21, including the MiG-21FL and MiG-21PF, served India's defense needs with distinction. The IAF's decision to phase out the MiG-21 reflects ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance operational efficiency, aligning with strategic priorities in defense technology and readiness.

The MiG-27, known for its ground-attack capabilities, played a vital role in close air support operations during the Kargil War. Armed with a variety of weapons including rockets, bombs, and missiles, the MiG-27s provided accurate and devastating firepower against enemy bunkers, artillery positions, and supply routes. Operating at low altitudes, MiG-27s delivered precise strikes that helped to soften enemy defences and pave the way for ground forces to advance, thereby contributing significantly to India's success in reclaiming strategic heights.

Flight Lieutenant Nachiketa, a pilot with the Indian Air Force's No. 9 Squadron (Wolfpack), became a poignant symbol of bravery and resilience during the Wa. On 26 May 1999, Nachiketa participated in a strike mission in the Batalik Sector, armed with 80mm rockets and the MiG-27 aircraft's 30mm cannon. During the operation, his aircraft sustained a hit from a Pakistan Army MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defense System), compelling Nachiketa to eject from his stricken plane.

Following his ejection, Nachiketa managed to evade immediate capture, but after several hours, he was apprehended by a Pakistani army patrol. Recounting his harrowing experience in an interview in 2016, Nachiketa described how he continued to defend himself with his service pistol until he exhausted his ammunition. His capture by Pakistani soldiers was marked by initial hostility and aggression, as they viewed him as an enemy pilot responsible for attacking their positions from the air.

The decision to retire the MiG-27ML squadrons in December 2019 reflected the IAF's ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet and enhance operational efficiency. The ceremony at Jodhpur airbase marked the culmination of years of service by the MiG-27, which had been a stalwart in India's defense strategy. 

The Jaguar, a dedicated ground-attack aircraft, proved invaluable in the Kargil conflict for its ability to carry a diverse array of weapons and perform precision strikes. Their role in suppressing enemy fire, destroying bunkers, and disrupting logistical support was critical in supporting infantry operations and maintaining pressure on Pakistani infiltrators throughout the conflict. Originally introduced into service in the early 1980s, the Jaguar aircraft had already proven its worth in earlier military operations, including reconnaissance missions during the Indian Peace Keeping Force operations in Sri Lanka from 1987 to 1990. However, its true test came during the Kargil War when it was called upon for various combat roles.

The Jaguar's capability as a deep-penetration strike aircraft was put to the test as it conducted precision strikes deep within the rugged and mountainous terrain of the Kargil region. Equipped with both unguided and laser-guided bombs, Jaguars played a crucial role in targeting enemy positions entrenched at high altitudes. These strikes were essential in dislodging and neutralizing Pakistani forces that had intruded into Indian territory.

Alongside the Mirage 2000, the Jaguar was regarded as one of the few aircraft in the IAF capable of performing nuclear strike missions effectively. This dual capability underscored its strategic importance, although it has been reported that the IAF opted against developing the Jaguar into an active nuclear platform due to logistical challenges, including its lack of ground clearance for deploying India's gravity-dropped nuclear bombs.

During Operation Safed Sagar, which was the IAF's codename for its operations during the Kargil War, Jaguars flew numerous sorties with remarkable success rates. These sorties were critical in supporting ground troops, providing close air support, and disrupting enemy logistics and communication lines in the inhospitable and challenging terrain of Kargil. Post the Kargil conflict, the IAF continued to modernize its Jaguar fleet, integrating advanced avionics and weaponry to enhance its capabilities for future contingencies. Despite being phased out in some roles, the Jaguar remains an important element of India's air defense strategy, demonstrating its enduring legacy in the Indian military's operational history.

The Mil Mi-17 helicopter played a crucial role in the challenging terrain of Kargil during the 1999 conflict, primarily serving in logistics, troop transport, and casualty evacuation roles. Operating under severe conditions with limited landing zones, Mi-17s facilitated rapid troop deployment and evacuation of wounded soldiers from remote and inaccessible areas. Their robustness, maneuverability, and versatility in high-altitude operations ensured timely reinforcement of ground troops and sustained logistical support, significantly enhancing the overall operational effectiveness of the Indian Armed Forces in the Kargil sector.  

In May 1999, during Operation Safed Sagar, the Mi-17 helicopters were instrumental in the initial air phase of the Kargil War, operated by the 129th Helicopter Unit (HU) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) against entrenched positions of the Pakistan Army. However, the operational environment proved perilous when one IAF Mi-17 and one MiG-21 fighter were shot down by Pakistan Army Air Defence Anza-II shoulder-fired missiles. This incident prompted the withdrawal of armed helicopters from direct combat roles and emphasized the shift towards fixed-wing aircraft for subsequent attacks in the Kargil theatre. 

In the aftermath of the Kargil War, the strategic implications continue to reverberate. This conflict, fought over nearly three months in 1999, not only tested the military capabilities of both nuclear-armed nations but also reshaped their military doctrines and international perceptions.  

The Kargil War, seen as a watershed moment, prompted extensive study and analysis in India and Pakistan alike. For Pakistan, which had recently acquired nuclear weapons in 1998, the conflict was viewed as a demonstration of its military resolve and a test of its newly bolstered nuclear deterrent. However, the war also highlighted the limitations of nuclear deterrence in preventing conventional conflicts.  

In contrast, India emerged from the war with a renewed focus on enhancing its conventional military capabilities. The conflict underscored the need to build up forces capable of engaging in limited wars without escalating to the nuclear level. This realization prompted a strategic pivot towards strengthening conventional forces to maintain a military edge over Pakistan.  

The international community, particularly Western observers, also took note of the Kargil War's implications. It challenged the prevailing belief that nuclear-armed adversaries would invariably avoid direct conflict due to the threat of nuclear escalation. The war's outcome prompted a reassessment of nuclear doctrines and strategies globally, as it demonstrated the potential for conventional conflicts to occur despite nuclear deterrence.  

The deployment and effective utilization of these top five air assets by the Indian Air Force during the Kargil War were instrumental in securing a decisive victory. From precision bombing by Mirage 2000s to ground support missions by MiG-21s, MiG-27s, Jaguars, and logistical support by Mi-17 helicopters, each asset played a critical role in neutralizing enemy positions, maintaining air superiority, and supporting ground operations. Their combined efforts not only inflicted significant losses on Pakistani infiltrators but also bolstered the morale of Indian troops, underscoring the importance of air power in modern warfare scenarios.