Airports, airbases, tall buildings, refineries… what are the big targets for enemy nation during war?

New Delhi: The military strategies of both countries in the wars between India and Pakistan (1947, 1965, 1971, and 1999) targeted the enemy’s critical infrastructure. These included targets such as refineries, airports, airbases, high-rise buildings, and fuel depots, which were significant from both military and economic perspectives.

During war, certain targets are strategically and economically important. Their destruction weakens the enemy’s military capability, supply chain, and morale. In the India-Pakistan wars, the following targets have been prominent:

Refineries: Refineries are a major source of fuel necessary for military vehicles, aircraft, and ships. Their destruction limits the enemy’s military mobility. In the 1971 war, the Indian Air Force (IAF) attacked the Attock refinery (near Rawalpindi) on December 6 with four Hunter aircraft from Squadron No. 20. This attack generated a massive fire and smoke, which helped in navigation for subsequent attacks.

Airports and Airbases: Airbases and airports are critical for air force operations. Their destruction weakens the enemy’s air power and prevents air strikes.

High-rise buildings: High-rise buildings can serve as command centers, communication hubs, or symbolic targets in urban areas. However, there are limited instances of directly targeting them in India-Pakistan wars, as both countries have sought to avoid civilian casualties.

Fuel Depots: Fuel depots store fuel for military operations. Their destruction severely impacts military activities, as a lack of fuel can halt aircraft, tanks, and ships.

India and Pakistan prioritized strategic and economic goals in their military strategies. The selection of targets in these wars was based on the following factors:

Weakening Military Capability: Attacks on airbases and runways (such as Sargodha, Tejgaon) were aimed at destroying the enemy’s air power. In 1971, the IAF incapacitated the PAF in East Pakistan within 48 hours. In 1965, the IAF flew 3937 sorties, most of which aimed to destroy PAF’s bases and supply lines.

Economic Damage: Targets such as refineries and fuel depots were chosen to weaken the enemy’s economy. The Karachi port, which was Pakistan’s commercial hub, was severely impacted by attacks from the IAF and Navy in 1971.

Psychological impact: Attacks on large targets like refineries and ports were aimed at breaking the enemy’s morale and instilling fear in the public. The fire at oil tanks in Karachi is an example of this.

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