Modern air warfare is shifting from 'air dominance to airspace denial'. Multilayered AD & long range AAMs, as seen in Ukraine & the Indo-Pak clash, create a contested battlespace. Integrated Air Defense Systems dominate, forcing a rethink of CONOPS (Concept of Operations). 1n Skies are now a no-go zone for traditional air ops. Dense SAM networks & BVR engagements neutralize legacy tactics. Air Forces must pivot to unmanned assets, low-observable platforms & adaptive TTPs (Tactics, Techniques, Procedures) to penetrate denied space. 2n

Russians don't need a Zhukov, but a Rokossovski to get their mojo going. All they have is LTG Zusko, Cdr 58 CAA in Crimea, who is pivoting to close the Ukr access to Black/ Azov sea, seek a jumpstart west of the Dnieper, close the gap with the Donbass Axis & bag thousands of POWs The Ukrainians are counterattacking the beleaguered 36 CAA 70 km long convoy to the north of Kiev, breaking it down with the tenacity of their ambushes. Similar Counterattacks east of Kharkov, Sumy & Chernihiv. The Russian 20 CAA at Kharkov taking the brunt, losing 2-3 BTGs

For all the C2 goof ups in Phase 1, Russia is using Tier 2 forces to grab essential ingress routes & build the Initial Plan of Battle (IPB). Phase 2 course of action (COA) will be with operational manoeuvre groups (OMG) with Tier 1 eqpt & missions. Unfolds soon
#WARINUKRAINE The RuAF's been ineffective in SEAD/ counter air, the CAS msns have been tougher than expected with Ukr tactical MANPAD strength. It has not been able to implement Air superiority, but a Favourable Air Situation. Western C4I assets warn Ukr well in advance of impending thrusts

We, the 'many', need always appreciate 'the few, the brave':
Their sacrifice ensures that the flag shall always wave!
(Fm the poem 'The Few, The Brave' by Maurice Harris)

Thread on the @IAF_MCC 'Ironman' formation vs the PAF JF-17s during #OpSwiftRetort on #27Feb19 On #27Feb2019, while ‘Avenger’ was clashing with the PAF F-16s over Nowshera, 2 x M2000Is of No1 Sqn IAF C/S ‘Ironman’ were battling upto 12 x JF-17s of CCS/No14 Sqn PAF abeam Muzaffrabad in North J&K 1/n

On #27Feb2019 0950-1015h 2 x Su30MKI of No15 Sqn @IAF_MCC C/S #Avenger duelled with 8 x F16MLU of CCS/No9 Sqn PAF during #OpSwiftRetort . Evidence shows that PAF launched 4+ AMRAAMs against the Sukhois during this engagement. What is less known is how the MKIs counterattacked 1/n The North Group of 4 F-16s OCA engaged the Su30 DCA in HOT/COLD Grind, gradually pushing for the LoC. The North Group fired 3 AMRAAAMs against the IAF jets. All missed. The IAF jets pushed bck, also picking up the South Group OCA of 4 x F16s & multiple inbound strike aircraft 2/n

The 'only' profile where Chengdu #J20 'Mighty Dragon' will enjoy a measure of #stealth in coming years. Dev & validation of tactics indicates focus on frontal quarter BVR ingress with LR slashing attacks, beaming max 30 deg till A-pole (PL-15), beyond which LO falls dramatically Buddy & Swarming BVR engagement tactics being developed between groups of J20s to exploit cooperative stealth behaviour for active/passive observation and LR engagement of variety of A-A tgts. A kill box of 200 x 200 km likely to have 4-6 J20s to exploit large NEZ of the PL15

The Indian Air Force fought one of its most significant post-independence aerial clash with the Pakistan Air Force on 27 February 2019. This graphic is the most authentic sit rep on the attack axis, force packages and geographical locations of the engagement. The PAF's North & South Axes were decoys, the Central axis was the main strike thrust - with F-16s using 1000 lbs LGBs, JF-17 the REKs and the Mir III/V the H2/ H4 SOW on 16 Corps targets. The PAF did not cross the LC anywhere.