ID | 114442 |
Title Proper | Beyond the acquisition of C-130Js and C-17s |
Language | ENG |
Author | Chordia, Ashok K |
Publication | 2012. |
Summary / Abstract (Note) | Infiltration, skirmishes and wars on the borders, terrorist attacks in cities, the Naxalite menace, natural calamities, major accidents, evacuation of expatriates from troubled foreign countries, humanitarian aid to foreign countries, reconstruction and development in war-torn friendly countries - the response to all these situations and many more, demands large-scale movement of men and material. Often, secrecy is essential; always, time is of the essence. Reliable airlift capability and prompt action is the lifeblood of such missions. A timely airlift of troops by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to the Maldives frustrated the designs of a band of terrorists and averted a coup d'état in November 1988. Operation Cactus was a shot in the arm for Indian diplomacy. In some ways, India continues to gain from the stature thus attained. Airlift capability is a powerful tool for pursuing foreign policy objectives through employment of resources and capabilities. It has the power to change attitudes and build perceptions. |
`In' analytical Note | Defence and Diplomacy Vol. 1, No.2; Jan-Mar 2012: p.21-28 |
Journal Source | Defence and Diplomacy Vol. 1, No.2; Jan-Mar 2012: p.21-28 |
Key Words | Terrorist Attacks ; Naxalite ; IAF ; India ; Indian Diplomacy ; Maldives ; Boeing C-17 ; Super Hercules ; Defence Acquisition |