Indian Navy's Swift Readiness with INS Vikrant's MiG-29K Fighters Highlighted by Vice Admiral Sobti
Vice Admiral Sobti recently disclosed that the Indian Navy was poised to deploy 15 MiG-29K fighter jets from the aircraft carrier INS Vikrant against the Pakistani Navy during Operation Sindoor. This assertion emphasizes India's capability to swiftly project power and safeguard its maritime boundaries.
From Exercise to War Footing in 96 Hours
The Pahalgam terror attack prompted the commencement of Operation Sindoor, compelling the Indian Navy to shift from the biennial TROPEX exercise to a wartime posture.
| Within 96 hours, every operational ship was at sea. |
| Ships and submarines were fully replenished with ammunition. |
| A powerful task force, centered on INS Vikrant, was deployed south of Karachi. |
Vice Admiral Sobti explained that the strategy aimed to project a forward and deterrent stance to prevent the Pakistan Navy from posing a threat to India's coastline or trade routes.
Pakistan Navy Bottled Up
With INS Vikrant carrying 15 MiG-29Ks and supported by destroyers, frigates, and submarines, India effectively established a blockade.
| Pakistani ships were compelled to stay near their own coast. |
| They had "no freedom of manoeuvre," according to Sobti. |
| India’s dominance was reinforced by satellites, UAVs, aircraft, and coastal radars, ensuring maritime domain awareness without direct confrontation. |
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
The operation underscored India's emphasis on non-contact warfare, using long-range missiles, surveillance, and unmanned systems to achieve goals without crossing borders. Key insights include:
| Need for counter-UAV systems: Low-cost drones pose a significant challenge, as costly missiles cannot be used against them. |
| Electromagnetic management: Counter-drone jammers risk interfering with radar systems, necessitating better system integration on crowded warships. |
Sobti commented, "Numerous lessons have been drawn from Operation Sindoor, not only by the Navy but across the armed forces. Some measures have already been implemented, while others are rapidly being put into effect."
Strategic Signal
The rapid and comprehensive deployment during Operation Sindoor showcased India's ability to restrict adversaries to their coasts while securing trade routes and ensuring deterrence. With INS Vikrant and its MiG-29K air wing, the Navy communicated a clear message of maritime dominance in the Indian Ocean.
