Overview

• Operation Safed Sagar, launched on May 26, 1999, was the first large-scale use of air power in Kashmir since 1971, supporting ground forces during the Kargil War.
• The Indian Air Force employed a range of aircraft, including Mirage 2000s and MiG-21s, to reclaim high-altitude positions occupied by Pakistani troops and intruders.
• The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of calibrated air strikes in localized conflicts, altering the course of battle without escalating to full-scale war.
• Its success contributed to India's victory in the Kargil War, culminating in the recapture of territory by July 26, 1999, now celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.
• The anniversary underscores parallels with May 2025's Operation Sindoor, showcasing the continued strategic role of air power in counter-terrorism efforts.