The Kargil war between India and Pakistan in 1999 is etched in the memory of a large part of India’s population as the country’s first and last war. Over the years, more than 10 films have attempted to bring this pivotal moment in history to the screen, each offering a unique perspective. From ‘LOC Kargil’ (2003) to ‘Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil Girl’ (2020), these films have primarily focused on the battle skills of the Indian Army and its heroes, depicting the war as a series of intense ground battles.
However, one aspect of the Kargil war that has been somewhat overlooked in these films is the significant contribution of the Air Force. Aside from ‘Gunjan Saxena’, there hasn’t been a comprehensive portrayal of the Air Force’s role in the war. But that’s about to change with the upcoming Netflix series ‘White Sea’, which aims to shed light on the lesser-known “Operation White Sea” – the code name for the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operations during the Kargil War.
Directed by Oni Sen, who previously helmed the Arshad Warsi-starrer series ‘Asura’, ‘White Sea’ boasts an impressive cast, including Abhay Verma, known for his work in ‘Munjya’, alongside South actor Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, and Dia Mirza. So, what exactly was Operation White Sea, and how did it play out during the Kargil War?
Air Force Operation White Sea in Kargil
The Indian Air Force’s operations during the Kargil War were dubbed “Operation White Sea”. It all began with the IAF’s Cheetah helicopters, which conducted reconnaissance missions to gather intel on the Pakistani infiltration. These helicopters were basic, with no cameras, sensors, or weapons, and were powered by a single engine. Pilots had to navigate treacherous terrain, flying in areas with thin air and low oxygen levels.
As the situation unfolded, the IAF deployed eight MI-17 helicopters to transport army troops, weapons, and essential supplies. During one such mission, a Canberra aircraft was hit by Pakistani forces, but the pilot managed to land it safely in Srinagar using a single engine. This daring feat showcased the bravery and skill of the IAF pilots.
India’s Valor in the Air
The IAF played a crucial role in supporting the army’s ground operations, not only providing transportation and supplies but also evacuating injured soldiers from the battlefield. With the army in dire need of weapons and ammunition, the IAF took on the task of airdropping these essential supplies. Group Captain Praveer Purohit (Retired) recalled in an interview with Financial Express that the IAF was initially used to support the army’s ground operations. However, after receiving political clearance, the helicopters were equipped with weapons and used to attack enemy positions.
As the war intensified, the IAF increased its deployment of aircraft, including fighter planes like the MiG-21, MiG-23, and MiG-27, to target enemy positions. The introduction of the Mirage 2000 fighter plane proved to be a game-changer, playing a significant role in India’s ultimate victory in the Kargil War.
The IAF’s contribution to the Kargil War has largely gone unrepresented on screen, but Netflix’s ‘White Sea’ aims to change that. The series will focus on the 47-day operation, highlighting the heroic efforts of the IAF pilots who chased the Pakistani Army from the Indian side of the Line of Control (LOC). With a talented cast, including Siddharth, Abhay Verma, Jimmy Shergill, and Dia Mirza, ‘White Sea’ has the potential to be a compelling and engaging show.