The IAF engages in soft power projection through various non-combat operations, such as civilian evacuation operations, participation in international exercises, involvement in UN peacekeeping operations, showcasing air displays, and conducting international relief operations, specifically overseas HADR operations. The Indian Air Force (IAF) boasts a rich and illustrious legacy of conducting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions within India and abroad to provide aid and rescue to people affected by natural calamities, conflicts, or crises. The repatriation of Indian citizens from disturbed Afghanistan during the withdrawal of NATO forces, as well as the evacuation of Indian citizens from East European nations amidst the Russia-Ukraine conflict, exemplify the implementation of our foreign policies aimed at safeguarding and promoting our national interests on a global scale.

Additionally, the IAF has actively collaborated with other nations to enhance collective HADR capabilities. The significant quantity of HADR operations conducted by the IAF in swiftly transporting COVID-19 vaccines to allied nations has bolstered the nation’s soft power reputation. The IAF has played a significant role in transcontinental contingencies, particularly in situations necessitating the mass evacuation of the Indian diaspora and individuals of various nationalities from conflict zones. This active involvement has positioned the IAF as a leading force in safeguarding India’s national interests and foreign policy.

THE DYNAMICS

The successful execution of humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations is a direct result of the collaborative efforts and coordinated actions of the HADR team. Hence, apart from the aircrew, many unacknowledged individuals contribute to the smooth operation of aviation, including the security team, medical personnel, technical ground crew, air traffic control personnel, and support workforce. The efficacy of disaster relief operations is contingent upon the effort exerted by the HADR team.

The IAF’s transport fleet has consistently played an outstanding part in HADR operations by exhibiting its professionalism, adaptability, and reactivity. IAF has garnered widespread admiration and appreciation from numerous nations and individuals through its altruistic endeavours during times of crisis. The IAF has a fleet of aircraft that can accomplish a wide range of HADR tasks. The strategic heavy-lift transport aircraft C-17 Globemaster and IL-76, tactical load platform C-130J Super Hercules, transport workhorse and medium transport aircraft AN-32, medium-lift helicopter Mi-17 V5 and Advance Light Helicopter Dhruv undertake the HADR operations.

GLORIOUS HADR MISSIONS

India has conducted humanitarian operations in response to crises caused by civil/military unrest or natural calamities. The noteworthy HADR Missions, regarded as significant achievements that evoke a sense of pride among the Indian populace, encompass ‘Operation Maitri’ (2015) conducted in Nepal, ‘Operation Sankat Mochan’ (2016) carried out in South Sudan, ‘Operation Ganga’ (2022) executed in Ukraine, as well as ‘Operation Vande Bharat’ (2020) and ‘Operation Dost’ (2023).

IAF EMPLOYED IT’S C-17 AND C-130J AIRCRAFT FOR THE RESCUE EFFORT TO REPATRIATE INDIAN NATIONALS STRANDED IN SUDAN

Operation Maitri: This humanitarian mission was conducted in Nepal after the devastating earthquake in April 2015. The Indian government promptly initiated a response to the earthquake, mobilising ten teams from the National Disaster Response Force, as well as medical teams, engineering task forces, and aircraft. The objectives of this response were to facilitate the evacuation of both Indian and foreign nationals, provide essential supplies such as food, water, and tents, and restore electricity in the areas affected by the earthquake.

Operation Sankat Mochan: The mammoth endeavour was undertaken by the IAF to facilitate the safe evacuation of Indian citizens and foreign nationals from the conflict-ridden region of South Sudan during the South Sudanese Civil War in July 2016. The military manoeuvre was executed in response to the 2016 Juba clashes and entailed the deployment of two C-17 Globemasters from the Indian Air Force.

Vande Bharat Mission: The largest civilian rescue of Indians stuck overseas due to coronavirus travel restrictions. It exceeded the 1990 Gulf War airlift of 1,77,000 passengers. The mission’s 10th phase began in May 2020. Inbound and outgoing travellers total 32 lakhs. The mission prioritised Indian residents with “compelling reasons to return,” such as those whose jobs have been terminated, whose visas have expired and are unlikely to be extended, or who had lost family members.

Operation Rahat: In April 2015, the IAF was mobilised for Operation Rahat, a mission aimed at facilitating the evacuation of Indian citizens stranded in Yemen due to the ongoing civil conflict. The IAF utilised its C-17 Globemaster aircraft to transport many evacuees, exceeding 4000 individuals, from Djibouti to India.

Operation Kaveri: The Indian government launched ‘Operation Kaveri’ this year, to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in Sudan. In addition to various other rescue missions from the country, on the intervening night of April 27 and 28, an IAF C-130J heavy-lift aircraft successfully executed a courageous mission to evacuate a total of 121 individuals from a small airstrip located in ‘Wadi Sayyidna’, approximately 40 km north of Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, which has been plagued by ongoing violence. The airstrip exhibited a deteriorated surface lacking navigational aid, fuel, and, notably, landing lights, essential for facilitating nocturnal aircraft landings. Approaching the airstrip, the aircrew employed their Electro-Optical/Infra-Red sensors to ascertain the absence of any obstacles on the runway and to verify the absence of hostile entities in the surrounding area. After confirming the necessary preparations, the aircrew executed a strategic manoeuvre while utilising Night Vision Goggles (NVG) under limited visibility on a nocturnal occasion. This was one example of the highest degree of professionalism by the IAF team.

Operation Dost: After the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake ravaged both nations on February 6, 2023, despite Turkey’s anti-Indian and pro-Pakistan position on numerous diplomatic forums, the Indian government quickly began the HADR effort. It extended continuous search and rescue efforts and medical aid to Syria and Turkey. The operation is denoted by the term derived from the Hindi and Turkish lexeme denoting ‘friend’. This manifested the Indian vision of the ‘Whole Word is One family’.

Globally nations have a great deal of admiration and respect for the capabilities of the IAF since it is a significant supplier of HADR in the area. A high level of professionalism in HADR missions has been accomplished by implementing dedicated and well-disciplined execution strategies that have been thoroughly tested and refined. The UN has called on the IAF for help on multiple occasions, and the IAF has responded with peacekeepers to the conflicts in Congo, Somalia, and Sudan. In these missions, the IAF has assisted UN troops with transportation, medical care, and technical assistance.

CHALLENGES OF HADR OPERATIONS

HADR missions do have a multitude of variables. These variables are a mix of external as well as internal factors. The HADR team faces unexpected and intricate factors, such as adverse weather conditions and an unfavourable political and civil atmosphere at the destination. There are inherent factors, like crew-Fatigue, the physical and mental health of the HADR team, and aircraft technical health, other factors the supervisor must be conscious of for air safety.

The effective implementation of HADR operations in challenging weather conditions and during nighttime requires adding-on measures that ensure the smooth completion of the mission. The successful completion of the mission necessitates the employment of a cohesive team that shares the same strategy.

The IAF has a long and proud history of involvement in HADR operations. This is indicative of the professionalism of HADR teams. The IAF’s HADR operations are typically coordinated with the Indian government and other international organisations. The IAF has a well-established HADR standard operating procedure. The IAF personnel are trained to operate in a variety of disaster scenarios. The IAF’s HADR assets include a fleet of transport aircraft, helicopters, and special forces.

THE WAY AHEAD

The Prime Minister told the Turkish ‘Operation Dost’-team, “Whether there is a cyclone or any disaster in any part of the world, when people see you, your uniform, even from afar, their faith is restored. They trust you because they feel protected. Your credibility increases exponentially. We must step forward. We need to be the world’s top rescue teams.”

The IAF has consistently played a leading role in aiding the civil administration and relieving affected civilians. However, there are still areas that require the IAF, in collaboration with the civil administration, to effectively utilise its capabilities in mitigating the impact of natural disasters. However, the efficacy of addressing disaster relief operations can be further enhanced through the implementation of meticulous foresight and meticulous preparatory measures. The meticulous surveying of pathways, establishment of designated landing areas for helicopters, precise meteorological predictions, strategic placement of fuel resources, and effective communication systems all play pivotal roles in ensuring the triumph of these endeavours.

Consistent training for a diverse range of personnel, encompassing aircrew, medical staff, administrative support, and security teams, is imperative. Furthermore, ensuring the proper upkeep and maintenance of the technical inventory utilised for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) operations is paramount.

The shift towards foresight and readiness to minimise injuries and damages. International disaster relief efforts need to be better coordinated. This merits partnerships among governments, NGOs, and the commercial sector. The need for a coordinated international response to disasters will become even more critical as the world becomes more interconnected.

The incorporation of cutting-edge tools for boosting HADR efficiency. The development of new technologies will continue to play a role in the evolution of HADR, as they will help improve disaster response operations’ effectiveness.

The development of HADR is intricate and persisting. However, natural disasters are happening more often and with greater intensity, the necessity for a coordinated worldwide response is becoming more apparent, and new technologies are being developed, all of which are likely to affect the future of HADR.

CONCLUSION

The efficiency and effectiveness of IAF HADR operations have garnered international praise. The IAF possesses a highly skilled and proficient group of pilots, aircrew, and ground personnel capable of promptly addressing emergencies. The IAF also has various aircraft and tools suitable for HADR missions. The IAF is dedicated to delivering humanitarian aid and relief efforts during natural disasters and other emergencies. HADR operations have been instrumental in preserving numerous lives and mitigating the distress of millions of individuals.

The process of HADR evolution is intricate and continuous. The future of HADR is expected to be influenced by several significant factors. These include the rising occurrence and intensity of natural disasters, the growing acknowledgement of the necessity for a coordinated global approach, and technological advancements.

The IAF has provided invaluable contributions to our nation and other nations, particularly in disaster relief operations, which have proven arduous and gratifying. These operations have effectively contributed to preserving human lives, helping individuals requiring support, and facilitating global peace and stability. HADR has provided an interface for strengthening the diplomatic relationship with other countries.