Air Combat in the Himalayas: Capabilities, Contingencies and Collaboration

For much of human history, the Himalayan Mountain range has been a formidable barrier to air combat. The fighter aircraft in the inventories of regional air forces could not effectively pose a danger to their adversaries across these mountains. However, this obstacle has diminished in significance in the post-Cold War era. Increasingly capable aircraft have been introduced into the air forces of China, India, and Pakistan, heralding a paradigmatic transformation in future air combat within the region. Additionally, emerging aviation technologies, particularly drones, are reshaping the nature of combat in the Himalayas. This dialogue aims to foster a comprehensive understanding and analysis of the evolving dynamics of air combat in this strategic region.

The event will deliberate on the following questions:

1. How will the emerging composition of regional air force inventories shape air combat in the Himalayas?
2. What contingencies for air combat in the region are possible, and at what threshold will aviation capability factor into combat calculations?
3. What are the strengths and weaknesses of traditional air combat, and how is emerging aviation technology poised to address them?

The panellists will explore the potential landscape of air combat in the next decade, focusing particularly on the year 2035. They will also assess whether India is prepared to face such a scenario.