The traditional air defence doctrine has long relied on Combat Air Patrols (CAP) as the primary means of securing national airspace. Supported by Operation Readiness Platforms (ORP)—fighter jets on ground alert, fully armed, and ready to launch within minutes—CAP missions have historically provided a rapid response to enemy aerial threats, especially near borders or in high-risk areas.
The writer is an Indian Air Force veteran and has decade of Air Defence operational experience. Views expressed are personal.
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