Operation Bandar: The Blunder of India’s Air Force

The failure of the Indian Air Force to hit their ground targets accurately was one of the biggest blunders in modern air combat. All five bombs were incorrectly guided, indicating a significant failure of Indian pilot training and the professionalism of the Indian Air Force. However, many Indians still believe that the mission was successful, despite the truth being known by educated Indians and many in the Indian defense and strategic communities.

The Pakistani military responded to this failed mission, and the contrast between the two forces’ performances was stark. On February 27, 2019, a day after the Indian airstrikes, our reaction was in broad daylight. Pakistan Air Force carried out airstrikes in Jammu and Kashmir, India, leading to a dogfight between Indian and Pakistani fighter jets. In the dogfight, an Indian MiG-21 was shot down by the Pakistan Air Force, and the pilot, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman (Celebrates his birthday on June 21), was captured by Pakistan. He was released two days later as a “peace gesture” by the Pakistani government.