While the army jawans fought Pakistani troops on the icy hights of Drassand Kargil, the India Air Force was called in for its "most difficultoperation ever", carrying out precision strikes while ensuring that they don't breach the Line of Control.

"The fighter planes changed the course of the battle and use of precisionweapons destroyed the enemy fortification," recalled Air OfficerCommanding (AOC), Jammu and Kashmir, Air Marshal J Chauhan about the war 10years ago.

After an armed chopper was shot down, "we inducted fighter planesincluding Jaguar and Mirage-2000 and used precision weapons. We analysed theresults and they were very positive. This helped us and the troops to go aheadand recapture the positions," he told PTI.

It was for the first time that the IAF was called upon to undertake thesemissions at such high altitudes. The officer said they never expected that IAFwould be required to asisst in the operation. "But we geared up on a shortnotice."

The biggest challenge for IAF was Manthaldalo in Drass sector. "We had toimprovise a lot and work out various plans for perfect targets," he saidadding that "at the same time we had to ensure that we don't cross theLoC.

"We were working in a very tight spot. It was to have pin point targets.If a bomb fell in the plains, it would have destroyed various areas. If thebomb fell in the valley, it would have targeted our own troops," Chauhansaid.

The Indian Air Force was pressed into service in mid- May, 1999 to facilitaterecapture of territory by army in Mushko Valley, Drass, Kaksar Batalik andTurtok areas. Western Air Commandresponded quickly and prompt air support was provided. Numerous sorties werelaunched to airlift and reinforce positions in the area.

The IAF held majestic flypasts by MiG-21s and Mi-17s and para-dropping displaystoday as the nation paid tributes to the spirit, courage and valour of itsbrave men in uniform on the 10th anniversary of Kargil victory.