Archive · 25 Sep 2025
CDS: Air Force Could Have Slowed China in 1962
General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff, spoke about the 1962 war.
He said that using the Air Force could have slowed down China's advance.
He also discussed how a policy applied in Ladakh and NEFA at the time was flawed.
Chauhan emphasized that past decisions must be judged within their historical context.
He suggested that current Indian strategy shows a willingness to use air power when necessary, drawing lessons from the past.
This was during the launch of a book by a General.
CDS Anil Chauhan discussed the 1962 war and military strategy.
He stated the Air Force could have slowed the Chinese offensive.
The government did not permit the use of the Air Force in 1962.
Chauhan said the 'Forward Policy' was flawed.
Comments were made at the launch of Lt. Gen. Thorat's autobiography.
- Who
- CDS General Anil Chauhan
- What
- Discussed the 1962 Sino-Indian war and the impact of not using the Air Force
- When
- Recently
- Where
- Pune, India
- Why
- Commenting on military strategy during the release of Lt. Gen. Thorat’s autobiography
Historical Perspective
Strategic Assessment
Air Force Use
Historical Perspective
Use of air force was considered escalatory at the time.
Strategic Assessment
Use of air force would have slowed the Chinese advance.
Forward Policy
Historical Perspective
A uniform Forward Policy was implemented.
Strategic Assessment
The Forward Policy should not have been applied uniformly in Ladakh and NEFA.
- Key Figure
- CDS General Anil Chauhan
- Event
- Discussion of 1962 War
- Air Force Assessment
- Would have slowed Chinese advance
- Source
- Lt. Gen. Thorat’s autobiography
- Location
- Pune, India
Sources
CDS: If Air Force had been used during the 1962 war...
‘Could’ve slowed Chinese offensive in 1962 war’: CDS Chauhan says deploying Air Force was once considered escalatory
Air Force use would have slowed Chinese offensive in 1962 war: CDS Chauhan - Telegraph India
Air Force Use Would've Slowed Chinese Offensive In 1962 War: Defence Chief
'Air Force Use Would've Slowed China in 1962 War': CDS Anil Chauhan on Nehru-era 'Blunder'
'Use of Air Power Could Have Slowed Chinese Offensive in 1962': CDS Gen Anil Chauhan
India denied Army advantage in 1962 war by avoiding Air Force use: CDS Gen Chauhan
Use of air force would have slowed Chinese offensive considerably in 1962: CDS Gen Chauhan
