ISLAMABAD: The Indian Air Force is actively working to develop and adopt acomprehensive multi-domain operations concept, prompted by the demonstratedeffectiveness of similar approaches during the recent India-Pakistanconfrontation. Reports indicate that the IAF chief highlighted Pakistan’ssuccessful integration of air, cyber, space, and electronic warfareelements in Operation Sindoor as a key catalyst for this strategic shift.This development underscores the evolving nature of modern aerial warfare,where dominance in a single domain is no longer sufficient againstintegrated adversaries.
The concept of multi-domain operations involves synchronized actions acrossland, air, sea, space, and cyberspace to create overwhelming advantagesover opponents. In the context of South Asia’s tense security environment,both India and Pakistan have been observing global trends in this area,influenced by major powers like the United States and China. However, theshort but intense conflict in May 2025 brought these ideas into sharpfocus, revealing how networked capabilities can amplify limited resourcesand disrupt traditional force equations.
During Operation Sindoor, launched by India in retaliation to a terrorattack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians, Pakistan’s air forcereportedly employed a multi-domain framework that integrated real-timeintelligence from space-based assets, cyber disruptions, and electronicwarfare to counter Indian strikes. This approach allowed for rapiddecision-making and effective beyond-visual-range engagements, contributingto the downing of several Indian aircraft and forcing a swiftde-escalation. Observers noted that Pakistan’s adoption of such tactics,possibly influenced by Chinese military doctrines, exposed gaps in India’sconventional air superiority assumptions.
The IAF’s interest in multi-domain operations is not entirely new, asdiscussions on integrating cyber and space domains have appeared in Indiandefence analyses for years. Yet, the recent conflict accelerated thisprocess, with senior officials acknowledging the need for enhancedjointness and technological integration. India’s ongoing efforts includestrengthening the Integrated Air Command and Control System and exploringindigenous platforms to enable seamless data sharing across services,aiming to achieve effects similar to those observed on the opposing side.
Experts point out that multi-domain warfare demands not just advancedhardware but also robust command structures and trained personnel capableof operating in contested environments. India’s push aligns with broaderreforms under the Chief of Defence Staff, focusing on theatre commands thatfacilitate cross-domain synergy. The IAF envisions a future where air powerserves as a central node, coordinating with army, navy, space, and cyberassets to penetrate enemy defences and achieve decisive outcomes.
The strategic implications are profound in a region marked by nuclearthresholds and proxy threats. Pakistan’s perceived success in OperationSindoor has prompted introspection within the IAF, leading to accelerateddoctrinal updates and investments in network-centric capabilities. Thisincludes bolstering airborne early-warning systems, enhancing electronicwarfare suites, and developing indigenous solutions to counter emergingthreats from integrated adversaries.
Furthermore, the evolution reflects a global shift where air forcesincreasingly lead multi-domain constructs due to their inherent flexibilityand reach. In India’s case, addressing capability shortfalls exposed duringthe conflict—such as in persistent surveillance and resilientcommunications—has become a priority. The IAF’s Roadmap 2047 emphasizesthese elements, aiming for a transformed force ready for hybrid andhigh-intensity scenarios.
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The competition between the two air forces continues to drive innovation,with both sides investing in advanced fighters, drones, and integratedsystems. Pakistan’s use of Chinese-origin platforms in multi-domain roleshas highlighted the importance of alliances in modern warfare, while Indiafocuses on self-reliance through indigenous programs. This dynamic ensuresthat future confrontations will likely feature even greater emphasis oncross-domain coordination.
As tensions persist along the border, the IAF’s pursuit of multi-domainoperations represents a proactive response to changing realities. Bylearning from recent events, including Pakistan’s employment duringOperation Sindoor, India seeks to maintain strategic balance and deteraggression through superior integrated capabilities.
Source:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2025India%E2%80%93Pakistanconflict
Operations, India-Pakistan Conflict
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