What corrective measures should India consider after its experience in the 2025 war with Pakistan?
1. Lesson One: Strategic Use of High-End Systems Like the S-400
Contrary to popular belief, India deployed the S-400 air defense system only once during the conflict—specifically to neutralize a high-value Pakistani aerial target within Pakistani airspace. This limited use underscores the system's role as a strategic deterrent rather than a routine combat asset. Given the exorbitant cost of each S-400 interception, using it against low-value threats like drones would be inefficient—akin to using a Carl Gustav rocket launcher to eliminate a mouse.
The S-400 is reserved for extreme scenarios, such as intercepting nuclear missile barrages aimed at Indian cities. During the conflict, India predominantly relied on its indigenous air defense systems, including the upgraded L/70s, Akash SAMs, Prithvi Air Defence, QRSAMs, MRSAMs, and the Israeli-built Spyder systems—all of which demonstrated significant operational capability.
2. Lesson Two: The Importance of a Secure and Integrated Air Grid
One of the key factors that prevented Pakistan from gaining air superiority was India’s establishment of a coordinated and secure air defense grid. This integrated network allowed real-time communication and interoperability among aircraft, radar stations, AEW&C systems, and missile defense units. Seamless communication, coupled with electronic warfare resilience, was vital in maintaining situational awareness and operational coordination across the battlespace.
3. Lesson Three: Immediate Need for More AEW&C Aircraft
Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&Cs) played a pivotal role in electronic warfare. These "eyes in the sky" provide real-time guidance to fighter aircraft operating deep within enemy territory—especially when ground-based radar and ATC communication are compromised due to jamming. The war highlighted the need for India to rapidly expand its fleet of AEW&Cs to maintain aerial superiority and robust command-and-control capabilities.
4. Lesson Four: Rethinking Doctrines and Political Constraints
India’s air combat doctrine—largely modeled on Soviet-era strategies—needs reevaluation. The Soviet tactic of overwhelming enemy defenses by sending numerous decoy and real targets simultaneously assumes a high tolerance for aircraft losses, something India cannot afford with its current inventory of ~800 fighter jets and a production capacity of only 20–25 jets annually.
Moreover, political directives played a significant role in shaping the air campaign. Prime Minister Modi's instruction to avoid targeting Pakistani military assets effectively nullified the standard IAF doctrine of initiating SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses) before conducting offensive strikes. This political interference diluted India's strategic advantage and prevented the IAF from forcing Pakistani jets into a defensive posture through sustained CAP (Combat Air Patrol) requirements.
5. Lesson Five: Indigenous Satellite Reconnaissance Excellence
The precision of India's airstrikes—especially those targeting Pakistani airbases—demonstrated the exceptional capability of Indian military satellites. The clarity and accuracy of target selection received praise even from traditionally critical international outlets like The New York Times, validating India’s progress in space-based surveillance and intelligence gathering.
6. Lesson Six: The USA Is an Unreliable Strategic Partner
The geopolitical dynamics during the conflict revealed the unreliability of the United States as a consistent ally. Former President Donald Trump's conduct during the crisis was perceived as indifferent or even obstructive, underscoring the need for India to pursue strategic autonomy and diversify its defense and diplomatic partnerships. Relying solely on U.S. support in high-stakes scenarios proved to be a miscalculation.
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