Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan emphasised the significant role the Indian Air Force could have played in the 1962 Sino-Indian war. In a recorded message at the launch of late Lieutenant General SPP Thorat's revised autobiography, 'Reveille to Retreat', General Chauhan reflected on strategic choices during the conflict. Lt Gen Thorat was the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Command, in the lead-up to the Sino-Indian war. Advertisement

Chauhan indicated that using air power might have slowed or even prevented the Chinese offensive, giving the Indian Army more time to prepare. Citing Operation Sindoor as a recent example, he illustrated how perceptions towards air power have shifted, marking an evolution in India’s defence strategy.

General Chauhan remarked,

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