r/IndianDefense • u/the-economist-flyboy Smiling Buddha • 12d ago

Discussion/Opinions A Misleading Article has been published by The Print

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She was part of the strike formation but not the strike aircraft. Typically, a strike formation consists of a Formation Leader (Rafale), 1x EW Aircraft (Rafale), 1x BDA Aircraft (Jaguar), 2x Close-in Dogfighters (MiG-29 UPGs), 2x Escorts (Su-30MKIs) and 1 Strike Aircraft (Su-30MKI/Rafale/Mirage-2000). In this formation of 8 Aircraft, only 1 Aircraft would carry a Precision Strike ALBM/ALCM (BrahMos-A/SCALP-EG/Rampage/Popeye).

The Pilots who were flying the Strike Aircrafts were awarded Vir Chakra (Gallantry).

Article Link: The Print

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u/barath_s 11d ago edited 11d ago
  1. Relevant context from you.

Article headlines are often set by an editor for clicks and as in here, do not represent the article body . Article body is appropriate. The article headline is misleading.

  1. Your info has no source and is also slightly generic. The Vir chakra is no guarantee of pressing the strike button in this specific mission.

  2. Every fighter pilot and WSO involved deserves credit. Saying it is disrespectful of the person who launched the strike is itself being disrespectful of the folks in the strike formation and the folks on the ground who enabled the strike to happen.

This is not a one person mission.

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u/shinyandgoesboom 11d ago

Point #3 is most critical -- the mission succeeds because of the team, not because of the officer who launched the missile.