Potential of Indian Air Power in the Indo-Pacific

Abstract

Ever since the advent of aircraft, the outlook of militaries worldwide toward conflict has changed. Establishing dominance in the air has become a vital aspect of determining victory in battle. He who controls the air is sure to have an advantage, as air dominance can lead to changing operational directives on land. Establishing air power over a region makes securing national and strategic interests more effective.

The Indo-Pacific is one such region that has garnered the attention of many countries in recent years. The region is home to two of the world’s most populous countries, India and China, along with several other emerging powers such as Japan, Australia, and Indonesia. It plays a pivotal role in global trade, connecting the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean. Recently, the region has gained strategic importance as China plans to expand its influence beyond the South China Sea. The Indo-Pacific region has become a focal point for geopolitical rivalries and strategic partnerships, shaping the balance of power in the 21st century. Air power can play a critical role in shaping the dynamics of the Indo-Pacific region.

This paper aims to identify the instruments of air power deployed by various stakeholders in the Indo-Pacific while also attempting to understand India’s air power potential in the region.