Full Description
Operation Pawan was independent India's first and only out-of-country operation which commenced as a peace-keeping operation but soon got converted into peace-enforcing one. It provided unique operational challenges for all three components of the Indian armed forces. Air power played a significant role in every facet of the operation whether it be Induction of forces, logistics support, casualty air evacuation, Reconnaissance, close air support, special heliborne operation or deinduction. The IPC was dependent on air power even for its day-to-day sustenance. It was an operation where fixed and rotary wing aircraft of the Indian armed forces flew near to a hundred thousand sorties over a period of 2½ years - A stupendous effort however one considers it. The determination, courage and bravery that the crews displayed when operating in an extremely hostile environment was exemplary.
Contents
Foreword 9 Preface 11
1. The Background 15
2. Operation Poomalai 54
3. The Accord and Induction of IPKF 67
4. Battle for Jaffna and the Heli-drop that
went Horribly Wrong 99
5. The Classic Insurgency Phase 169
6. The Provincial, Presidential and Parliamentary Elections 272
7. Post-Election Operations 288
8. Withdrawal/De-induction of IPKF 330
9. Some Daring Rescues 368
10. Looking Back 381
Index 429
