The Balakot airstrikes in February 2019 redefined India’s military approach, showcasing a bold non-nuclear response to the Pulwama terror attack. The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed camp in Balakot, followed by a brief aerial clash where Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was captured after his plane was shot down, highlighted the need for advanced military planning. This incident, coupled with rapid technological advancements, prompted the Indian Army to rethink its strategies. The Northern Command (Udhampur), Western Command (Chandimandir), and South Western Command (Jaipur), tasked with securing India’s western border with Pakistan, have since war-gamed multiple scenarios. These commands, now bolstered by the IAF’s Rafale fighter jets stationed at key airbases, form a formidable defence network, ensuring India’s readiness for any escalation.

The Northern Command, based in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, about 250 km from the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan, is the largest of the three. It oversees Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh, managing four corps: XIV Corps (Leh), XV Corps (Srinagar), XVI Corps (Nagrota), and I Corps (Mathura). With over 300,000 troops, including elite units like the Special Frontier Force, it handles counter-insurgency and border defence. Its proximity to Pakistan’s military outposts, roughly 50-100 km from key LoC points, makes it critical for rapid response. The IAF’s Rafale jets, stationed at Srinagar airbase (No. 51 Squadron), just 167 km from Islamabad, enhance its capabilities. These 4.5-generation jets, equipped with Meteor missiles for beyond-visual-range combat and SCALP cruise missiles for deep strikes, provide air superiority and precision attack options, strengthening Northern Command’s ability to execute cross-LoC operations.

The Western Command, headquartered in Chandimandir, Haryana, about 350 km from the Pakistan border, guards Punjab, Haryana, and parts of Rajasthan. With 250,000 personnel, it includes three corps: II Corps (Ambala), IX Corps (Yol), and XI Corps (Jalandhar), plus the 40th Artillery Division. The II Corps, a Strike Corps, is designed for deep armoured thrusts into Pakistan’s territory. Chandimandir’s location, 15 km from Chandigarh, enables quick mobilisation to border areas like Amritsar, 50 km from Pakistan. The Rafale squadron at Ambala airbase, home to the No. 17 “Golden Arrows” Squadron, significantly boosts this command. Ambala, 200 km from key Pakistani bases, hosts 18 Rafales, capable of air dominance and ground attack missions. Their integration with BrahMos missiles and drones enhances Western Command’s offensive power, preparing it for rapid incursions or artillery barrages.

The South Western Command, based in Jaipur, Rajasthan, 400 km from the Pakistan border, covers Rajasthan and Gujarat with around 100,000 troops. Its X Corps (Bathinda) and 42nd Artillery Division include desert warfare specialists. Jaipur’s distance from border points like Barmer (150 km from Pakistan) allows focus on desert operations. While no Rafale squadron is currently stationed here, the IAF’s plans to acquire 40 additional Rafales could see deployments to nearby bases like Jodhpur, enhancing this command’s capabilities. The Rafales’ long-range precision strikes, using Hammer bombs and SCALP missiles, would complement the command’s armoured units and BrahMos missiles, enabling tactical operations in Pakistan’s southern deserts.

The Rafale jets, with 35 of 36 delivered by 2022, are a game-changer for India’s air power. Ambala faces Pakistan, while Hasimara in West Bengal counters China, but the jets’ 1,000+ km combat radius allows flexible deployment across commands. Their advanced avionics, low radar cross-section, and ability to perform air defence, ground attack, and reconnaissance in a single sortie make them ideal for modern warfare. Post-Balakot, the Army’s war-gaming incorporates drones, loitering munitions, and long-range missiles, inspired by conflicts like Ukraine-Russia. Each command calibrates scenarios to neutralise Pakistan’s threats without escalating conflicts, with Rafales providing critical air support

The Army’s readiness, backed by Rafales, ensures flexible responses, from surgical strikes to deep land operations. Northern Command prepares for LoC incursions, Western Command for armoured thrusts, and South Western Command for desert tactics. Regular exercises validate these plans, testing Pakistan’s likely counterattacks. As Pakistan acquires Chinese J-10C jets to counter Rafales, India’s commands remain vigilant, leveraging technology and strategic positioning. An official’s assurance, “The Army’s plans are ready,” reflects confidence in this robust defence framework, ensuring India’s sovereignty against any threat.

——– E.O.M