Nagpur: The air strike carried out by Indian Air Force at Balakot deep inside Pakistan on February 26, was perfect co-ordination of unmatched intelligence, decision making by the government and well executed strategy taking calculated risks, said Air-Vice Marshall Suryakant Chafekar (Retd). The strikes were 100 per cent successful hitting right on the target and there is absolutely no need to ask proofs of it, he emphasised.

He was delivering a lecture on the Balakot Surgical Strike at Ahilya Mandir, Dhantoli in the city on Friday evening. Rashtra Sevika Samiti Pramukh Sanchalika Sita Annadanam and former Rashtra Sevika Samiti top functionary Pramilatai Medhe graced the occasion.

Speaking further Chafekar said the strike was not a fallout of street protests by the people in wake of Pulwama attack. These kind of decisions are not taken in emotions but are a result of a long term intelligence, preparedness of the forces and a well planned strategy which consists a number of factors including the risks that might arise out of the strike.

Nowhere in the world air force is called for such strikes because it escalates war. However, it was first time the strikes were carried out by Air Force, said Chafekar, a recipient of Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM). The government has already strengthened its relations with a number of countries in the world getting diplomatically strong. The second most important point was that a clear message was given to the world that it was not a war against any country nor on its defence establishments. The strike was against terrorism. Hence, the world had to toe India’s line, he said.

Moreover, it was not possible for the ground forces to enter so deep inside the enemy’s territory, conduct the attack and return back safely within a short span of time. This was also one of the reasons the IAF was selected for strike.

Most importantly, it did not result into an open war as the Pakistan forces were in doldrums, support from the US was dwindling and further the Indian government had well anticipated that it was unlikely for China to support Pakistan on this front.

Chafekar said intelligence gathering played an instrumental role in the air strike. It had given accurate information about the number of militants at the camp in Balakot along with the date and timing to strike. The attacks were carried out during the night time because enemy’s reaction is very dull during the period. Not all the radars are functional during the night. Taking advantage of this factor, it became easy for our aircraft to carry out attacks. At the same time it was the most dangerous task for the pilots. Still the pilots hit the target accurately displaying high level of professionalism and courage.

Gathering his over 30 years of experience and a month-long research, Chafekar through power point presentation portrayed a picture of actual attacks.

The aircraft that might have been used by India and the approach in the entire exercise resembles to that of Israel and the US, he said.

Now, whichever government comes to power in future, it is left with no option but to reply in the same fashion, said Chafekar, who has received Shourya Chakra from President of India.

In future, the government should continue to maintain diplomatic pressure, financial pressure on Pakistan, show a strong decision making and retain the boldness it has acquired, he suggested.

Earlier, Sumitra Vaidya welcomed the guests. Dr Mangala Ghisad conducted the program.