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The Sky Warriors
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 16, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 19, 2026
A short, quick read on the IAF’s role in Op Sindoor. Apart from the countless discussions and comparisons of def platforms, weapon systems, strategic objectives and their outcomes, this book makes you realise that IAF isnt just capable, it is extremely professional. That’s what sets IAF apart from PAF.
July 25, 2026
I picked up " The Sky Warriors" because I wanted to know more about the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor, but this book gave me much more than just a narration of what happened.
The book takes us through the events that happened after the Pahalgam attack and the 88-hour conflict that followed. What I liked was that it explained the events chronologically and also included the experiences of Air Force officers who were actually involved. Reading about their decisions, the planning and the technology used during the operation was genuinely interesting.
The book also made me realise how much modern warfare has changed. It is not just about soldiers fighting on the ground anymore. Drones, missiles, fighter jets, intelligence and technology all play such a huge role now. Some of these details were honestly fascinating to read about.
But the parts that stayed with me the most were the stories of the people behind the operation. The courage, discipline and professionalism of our armed forces really stood out. Reading about how they carried out such a difficult mission while ensuring that civilians were not harmed made me respect them even more.
This is not a book I would call an easy read because of the subject it deals with, but it is an important one. It gives you a closer look at the events, the planning behind the operation and the people who were a part of it. A good read for anyone who wants to understand more about the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
The book takes us through the events that happened after the Pahalgam attack and the 88-hour conflict that followed. What I liked was that it explained the events chronologically and also included the experiences of Air Force officers who were actually involved. Reading about their decisions, the planning and the technology used during the operation was genuinely interesting.
The book also made me realise how much modern warfare has changed. It is not just about soldiers fighting on the ground anymore. Drones, missiles, fighter jets, intelligence and technology all play such a huge role now. Some of these details were honestly fascinating to read about.
But the parts that stayed with me the most were the stories of the people behind the operation. The courage, discipline and professionalism of our armed forces really stood out. Reading about how they carried out such a difficult mission while ensuring that civilians were not harmed made me respect them even more.
This is not a book I would call an easy read because of the subject it deals with, but it is an important one. It gives you a closer look at the events, the planning behind the operation and the people who were a part of it. A good read for anyone who wants to understand more about the Pahalgam attack and Operation Sindoor.
April 22, 2026
The narrative of Pahalgam did not end with grief; it resulted in a nation's military machine converting grief into action, and for a small number of men and women, to measure, precisely and professionally, the cost of sending a clear message that could be heard far and wide - India will respond to terror strikes on its soil.”
- The Sky Warriors.
- Vishnu Som.
🇮🇳
Today, 22 April 2025, exactly one year ago, Pakistan backed terrorists entered Pahalgam, Kashmir carrying AK-47s and M4 carbines, segregated Hindu and Sikh males from the touring crowd and shot them all. This was one of the most gruesome attacks ever took place on the Indian soil. Later the attackers were identified to be associated with Pakistan nurtured, backed and armed terrorists group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In response Indian government and armed forces launched the most sophisticated and successful mission since 1971 called Operation sindoor, on 7 May 2025 Bharat ki Sena annihilated 9 terrorists camps which were providing support to terrorists in weapon training, ideological indoctrination and intelligence input. Indian army successfully disposed of over 100 terrorists in these strikes. Indian army’s DGMO specifically informed his Pakistan counterpart that no civilians were harmed and only terrorists were targeted still Pakistan launched a counter attack on india on may 8. And I don’t blame Pakistan for this bc it’s very difficult to differentiate civilians from terrorists in that rogue nation. Which ensued was one of the most sophisticated 88 hour mini war between two nations in which both claim their victory. This book by renowned journalist Vishnu Som narrates the fateful event of Pahalgam terror attack and then operation sindoor, the circumstances that led to it and the battle that took place afterword. Author interviewed India Air Force officers who experienced the war first hand at the front. The book goes into details how these events unfolded, how IAF skilfully and Professionally handled the situation and how all the manpower and weapons involved helped India dominate in that 88 hours of intense war.
🇮🇳
Pakistan and Bharat both claim to have damaged each other in that operation, without accepting own damages, satellite imagery shows how IAF destroyed terror camps and also Airbases and runways of PAF. It is also mentioned in the book about the claim of IAF that multiple aircrafts were destroyed in hanger in Pakistan’s bases. Pakistan in response could not confirm any damage to any base of Indian Air Force. Each side claimed to have damaged each others fighter jet but there is no concrete imagery for that (atleast in the book). the book narrates the events chronologically and quotes the IAF officers throughout the book who tell their war story with full pride.
🇮🇳
Book also goes in details how modern warfare has changed. Sophisticated technology and weapons have made it possible to attack the enemy without entering its territory. Drones play an important roles in today’s time, missiles and aircrafts are also very vital in a military campaigns. Both countries displayed a very highly skilled air war in modern times that became a testing grounds for many weapon selling nations. French, Russian, Chinese, American, European, Turkish and India indigenous weapons were fully involved in this war. Morden warfare has become more about technological advantage than brute muscle power.
🇮🇳
India never supports wars until provoked to do it, enemy support terrorists entered Bharat and killed people on basis of their religion, enemy needed a reply which was aptly given. Even though destroying terror camps in Pakistan doesn’t do much help to India bc terrorists breed like rabbits in that nation. Problem lies with Pakistan’s attitude towards terrorism. Whole world knows what Pakistan is doing, osama bin laden being killed there is the biggest proof if anybody wants. Until Pakistan stops such wars will always take place, bc India now does not tolerate terrorism on its soil.
-
This book is really good for topic in hand, inspiring stories of our air warriors who ensured not a single soul was harmed during the operation despite Pakistan having launched over a thousand Turkish drones, book also talks about threefold threat India is facing - from Pakistan, China and turkey. Both these nations ensured that Pakistan received satellite input and weapons during the skirmish. Everyone should read this book and know the nature of the enemy.
-
Rest in peace to the souls who lost their lives in Pahalgam. Today we all remember their sacrifice and show solidarity to their families.
Jai hind.
- The Sky Warriors.
- Vishnu Som.
🇮🇳
Today, 22 April 2025, exactly one year ago, Pakistan backed terrorists entered Pahalgam, Kashmir carrying AK-47s and M4 carbines, segregated Hindu and Sikh males from the touring crowd and shot them all. This was one of the most gruesome attacks ever took place on the Indian soil. Later the attackers were identified to be associated with Pakistan nurtured, backed and armed terrorists group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). In response Indian government and armed forces launched the most sophisticated and successful mission since 1971 called Operation sindoor, on 7 May 2025 Bharat ki Sena annihilated 9 terrorists camps which were providing support to terrorists in weapon training, ideological indoctrination and intelligence input. Indian army successfully disposed of over 100 terrorists in these strikes. Indian army’s DGMO specifically informed his Pakistan counterpart that no civilians were harmed and only terrorists were targeted still Pakistan launched a counter attack on india on may 8. And I don’t blame Pakistan for this bc it’s very difficult to differentiate civilians from terrorists in that rogue nation. Which ensued was one of the most sophisticated 88 hour mini war between two nations in which both claim their victory. This book by renowned journalist Vishnu Som narrates the fateful event of Pahalgam terror attack and then operation sindoor, the circumstances that led to it and the battle that took place afterword. Author interviewed India Air Force officers who experienced the war first hand at the front. The book goes into details how these events unfolded, how IAF skilfully and Professionally handled the situation and how all the manpower and weapons involved helped India dominate in that 88 hours of intense war.
🇮🇳
Pakistan and Bharat both claim to have damaged each other in that operation, without accepting own damages, satellite imagery shows how IAF destroyed terror camps and also Airbases and runways of PAF. It is also mentioned in the book about the claim of IAF that multiple aircrafts were destroyed in hanger in Pakistan’s bases. Pakistan in response could not confirm any damage to any base of Indian Air Force. Each side claimed to have damaged each others fighter jet but there is no concrete imagery for that (atleast in the book). the book narrates the events chronologically and quotes the IAF officers throughout the book who tell their war story with full pride.
🇮🇳
Book also goes in details how modern warfare has changed. Sophisticated technology and weapons have made it possible to attack the enemy without entering its territory. Drones play an important roles in today’s time, missiles and aircrafts are also very vital in a military campaigns. Both countries displayed a very highly skilled air war in modern times that became a testing grounds for many weapon selling nations. French, Russian, Chinese, American, European, Turkish and India indigenous weapons were fully involved in this war. Morden warfare has become more about technological advantage than brute muscle power.
🇮🇳
India never supports wars until provoked to do it, enemy support terrorists entered Bharat and killed people on basis of their religion, enemy needed a reply which was aptly given. Even though destroying terror camps in Pakistan doesn’t do much help to India bc terrorists breed like rabbits in that nation. Problem lies with Pakistan’s attitude towards terrorism. Whole world knows what Pakistan is doing, osama bin laden being killed there is the biggest proof if anybody wants. Until Pakistan stops such wars will always take place, bc India now does not tolerate terrorism on its soil.
-
This book is really good for topic in hand, inspiring stories of our air warriors who ensured not a single soul was harmed during the operation despite Pakistan having launched over a thousand Turkish drones, book also talks about threefold threat India is facing - from Pakistan, China and turkey. Both these nations ensured that Pakistan received satellite input and weapons during the skirmish. Everyone should read this book and know the nature of the enemy.
-
Rest in peace to the souls who lost their lives in Pahalgam. Today we all remember their sacrifice and show solidarity to their families.
Jai hind.
April 7, 2026
The Sky Warriors by Vishnu Som — A Reader's Review
In short: A gripping, immersive account of Operation Sindoor — India's 88-hour conventional air war against Pakistan in May 2025 — told with the urgency of breaking news and the depth of serious military journalism.
Narrative Strength
Som, a veteran television journalist who covered Kargil firsthand, brings rare credibility to this story. His prose shifts seamlessly between the macro — strategic war rooms where Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and NSA Ajit Doval brief the Prime Minister — and the micro: a Wing Commander asking "Sir, confirm fire" before launching an S-400 missile for the very first time into enemy airspace. The book's greatest achievement is humanising the machinery of war. The Node Commander surviving 64 hours underground, tracking time only by a computer screen, unsure whether it was lunch or dinner — that detail alone will stay with you.
Military Detail and Techno-Thriller Edge
If you love military hardware, Som delivers in spades. The S-400's world-record 314 km kill, the Rafale's SPECTRA electronic warfare suite defeating Pakistani radar locks, the CM-400 hypersonic missile screaming in at Mach 5 — these passages read like a techno-thriller, but the sourcing is direct interviews with the people who lived it. The India–China dimension, where Pakistan reportedly received live Indian military vector data from Beijing during DGMO-level ceasefire talks, is one of the book's most alarming revelations.
Tone and Perspective
The book wears its perspective openly — this is India's account of the conflict, told through IAF officers, and Som makes no pretence otherwise. That said, he earns trust through specificity: naming officers, quoting them at length, and citing satellite imagery and independent analysts. Air Marshal Tiwari's sharp retort on casualty figures — "No country in the world gives you an official confirmation of losses" — reflects Som's access and his willingness to let the military speak candidly, even when the answers are uncomfortable.
What Works Brilliantly
- The human moments: a pilot's 8-year-old daughter asking "Papa, when will you go to fight the war?"; ground crew asking to write messages on missiles before launch
- The moral clarity under pressure: India holding fire when Pakistan deliberately funnelled civilian aircraft alongside fighters — a calculated gambit India refused to fall into
- The operational picture: the IACCS node architecture, the S-400 regiment chain of command, how "less than 50 weapons" achieved conflict termination
One Weak Spot
A paragraph comparing the CM-400 and BrahMos is genuinely confusing — Som (or an editor) wrote "in compression" when he likely meant "in comparison," and the metrics blur. A minor but telling editorial slip in what is otherwise a tight, well-paced book.
Final Verdict
The Sky Warriors fills an important gap — a fast, well-reported, first-draft history of a conflict that redrew India's strategic red lines. It is not a neutral academic text, but it is honest about being a journalist's account. Som's journalism background gives the narrative a "you are there" quality that dry military histories rarely achieve. For anyone tracking India's evolving military posture, the India-Pakistan-China triangle, or the future of drone and air warfare, this is essential reading.
Rating: 4.2 / 5 — Compelling, detailed, and important. Lose half a point for occasional editorial roughness and the unavoidably one-sided sourcing, but gain it back for sheer access and storytelling.
In short: A gripping, immersive account of Operation Sindoor — India's 88-hour conventional air war against Pakistan in May 2025 — told with the urgency of breaking news and the depth of serious military journalism.
Narrative Strength
Som, a veteran television journalist who covered Kargil firsthand, brings rare credibility to this story. His prose shifts seamlessly between the macro — strategic war rooms where Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and NSA Ajit Doval brief the Prime Minister — and the micro: a Wing Commander asking "Sir, confirm fire" before launching an S-400 missile for the very first time into enemy airspace. The book's greatest achievement is humanising the machinery of war. The Node Commander surviving 64 hours underground, tracking time only by a computer screen, unsure whether it was lunch or dinner — that detail alone will stay with you.
Military Detail and Techno-Thriller Edge
If you love military hardware, Som delivers in spades. The S-400's world-record 314 km kill, the Rafale's SPECTRA electronic warfare suite defeating Pakistani radar locks, the CM-400 hypersonic missile screaming in at Mach 5 — these passages read like a techno-thriller, but the sourcing is direct interviews with the people who lived it. The India–China dimension, where Pakistan reportedly received live Indian military vector data from Beijing during DGMO-level ceasefire talks, is one of the book's most alarming revelations.
Tone and Perspective
The book wears its perspective openly — this is India's account of the conflict, told through IAF officers, and Som makes no pretence otherwise. That said, he earns trust through specificity: naming officers, quoting them at length, and citing satellite imagery and independent analysts. Air Marshal Tiwari's sharp retort on casualty figures — "No country in the world gives you an official confirmation of losses" — reflects Som's access and his willingness to let the military speak candidly, even when the answers are uncomfortable.
What Works Brilliantly
- The human moments: a pilot's 8-year-old daughter asking "Papa, when will you go to fight the war?"; ground crew asking to write messages on missiles before launch
- The moral clarity under pressure: India holding fire when Pakistan deliberately funnelled civilian aircraft alongside fighters — a calculated gambit India refused to fall into
- The operational picture: the IACCS node architecture, the S-400 regiment chain of command, how "less than 50 weapons" achieved conflict termination
One Weak Spot
A paragraph comparing the CM-400 and BrahMos is genuinely confusing — Som (or an editor) wrote "in compression" when he likely meant "in comparison," and the metrics blur. A minor but telling editorial slip in what is otherwise a tight, well-paced book.
Final Verdict
The Sky Warriors fills an important gap — a fast, well-reported, first-draft history of a conflict that redrew India's strategic red lines. It is not a neutral academic text, but it is honest about being a journalist's account. Som's journalism background gives the narrative a "you are there" quality that dry military histories rarely achieve. For anyone tracking India's evolving military posture, the India-Pakistan-China triangle, or the future of drone and air warfare, this is essential reading.
Rating: 4.2 / 5 — Compelling, detailed, and important. Lose half a point for occasional editorial roughness and the unavoidably one-sided sourcing, but gain it back for sheer access and storytelling.
May 9, 2026
I found this book unexpectedly in a book store in Baroda. It's an account of Operation Sindoor, a play by play narration of those 88-hours in May 2025 when two nuclear nations, India and Pakistan, engaged in aerial warfare, with background and descriptions of the people and machines involved.
Written by Vishnu Som, a defense journalist from NDTV, replete with multiple interviews from IAF officers, interpersed with press briefings India did during that time, and referencing satellite imagery to bolster its narrative, it is a rich and interesting account.
It starts with Pahalgam, goes on to describe the preparation period when India decided on a response and depicts the escalation that happened each day as the war progressed.
The first few chapters depict the mindset of the IAF, that trains, lives and breathes to be able to perform at its peak in missions like these. It depicts the strength and readiness of the officers, right from its commanders to the pilots to the technicians and ground staff.
Another key take-away for me was the sophistication of the machines - surface-to-air, air-to-air missile systems, radar systems, and unmanned fighters and drones - that increasingly ensure that no person has to cross the border into enemy territory anymore.
The book makes the important point that India was deliberate and precise in its response as well as in its escalation, with the initial target only being terrorist infrastructure across the border. Its machine capability enabled this precision, and even as the war escalated, IAF continued to be targeted in its responses.
But machines are wielded by people and response shaped by protocols and policies. Each of these played a role: messaging and direction from the top was clear, training kicked in, man and machine rose to the occasion.
A granular and interesting look at a conflict close to home, I recommend this book. Not only for how this particular war played out, but also to get a glimpse of how nations think and act in times like these.
Written by Vishnu Som, a defense journalist from NDTV, replete with multiple interviews from IAF officers, interpersed with press briefings India did during that time, and referencing satellite imagery to bolster its narrative, it is a rich and interesting account.
It starts with Pahalgam, goes on to describe the preparation period when India decided on a response and depicts the escalation that happened each day as the war progressed.
The first few chapters depict the mindset of the IAF, that trains, lives and breathes to be able to perform at its peak in missions like these. It depicts the strength and readiness of the officers, right from its commanders to the pilots to the technicians and ground staff.
Another key take-away for me was the sophistication of the machines - surface-to-air, air-to-air missile systems, radar systems, and unmanned fighters and drones - that increasingly ensure that no person has to cross the border into enemy territory anymore.
The book makes the important point that India was deliberate and precise in its response as well as in its escalation, with the initial target only being terrorist infrastructure across the border. Its machine capability enabled this precision, and even as the war escalated, IAF continued to be targeted in its responses.
But machines are wielded by people and response shaped by protocols and policies. Each of these played a role: messaging and direction from the top was clear, training kicked in, man and machine rose to the occasion.
A granular and interesting look at a conflict close to home, I recommend this book. Not only for how this particular war played out, but also to get a glimpse of how nations think and act in times like these.
Read
September 11, 2026Just finished reading The Sky Warriors, Operation Sindoor Unveiled by Vishnu Som, and I highly recommend it to everyone.
It is an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true capability and courage of our defense forces.What makes this book incredibly accessible is that it is written in a very simple, non-technical language.
You do not need to be a military enthusiast or a tech expert to appreciate the gripping narrative.
The author brings out the human element of our air warriors beautifully, detailing their rigorous preparation and the absolute maintenance of secrecy required before striking back.
The book takes you right into the heart of the action, showing exactly how and where the strategic planning is done.
From high-pressure underground command nodes to advanced war rooms, you get an inside look at how the Indian Air Force orchestrated a flawless execution under intense timeline constraints.
Crucially, the book pulls back the curtain on the heavy propaganda propagated by Pakistan during the 88-hour mini-war. Vishnu Som lays out the facts clearly, presenting the real story of the graded escalation, how India systematically dismantled the adversary’s air defense network, and the strategic realities that finally led to the ceasefire.
If you want an honest, edge-of-your-seat account of modern aerial combat and statecraft, do pick up your copy of this book.
It is an absolute must-read for anyone who wants to understand the true capability and courage of our defense forces.What makes this book incredibly accessible is that it is written in a very simple, non-technical language.
You do not need to be a military enthusiast or a tech expert to appreciate the gripping narrative.
The author brings out the human element of our air warriors beautifully, detailing their rigorous preparation and the absolute maintenance of secrecy required before striking back.
The book takes you right into the heart of the action, showing exactly how and where the strategic planning is done.
From high-pressure underground command nodes to advanced war rooms, you get an inside look at how the Indian Air Force orchestrated a flawless execution under intense timeline constraints.
Crucially, the book pulls back the curtain on the heavy propaganda propagated by Pakistan during the 88-hour mini-war. Vishnu Som lays out the facts clearly, presenting the real story of the graded escalation, how India systematically dismantled the adversary’s air defense network, and the strategic realities that finally led to the ceasefire.
If you want an honest, edge-of-your-seat account of modern aerial combat and statecraft, do pick up your copy of this book.
July 23, 2026
The Sky Warriors: Operation Sindoor Unveiled by Vishnu Som presents itself as a detailed narrative and analytical account of a high-intensity conflict between India and Pakistan - “Operation Sindoor.” The book blends journalistic storytelling with strategic analysis, offering readers both a ground-level and aerial perspective on contemporary warfare. Som’s being a defense reporter provides technical clarity which defence attaché often cannot due to the constraints of official secrecy and diplomatic limitations.
In comparison with other book on same topic,Som presents largely IAF-centric and success-oriented narrative, with limited insight into Pakistani strategy., while Dhillon's book "The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan" offers a strategic and doctrinal justification for India’s evolving military posture.
In comparison with other book on same topic,Som presents largely IAF-centric and success-oriented narrative, with limited insight into Pakistani strategy., while Dhillon's book "The Untold Story of India’s Deep Strikes Inside Pakistan" offers a strategic and doctrinal justification for India’s evolving military posture.
May 22, 2026
An excellent book to understand what happens behind the scene in war / operations room of Indian Air Force.
The writer has interviewed number of officers and given their accounts of what transpired there. The book also has multiple images and its interpretation (of destruction).
It also brings out the dilemma faced by senior officers to keep the information closed without giving any hints of what and when the operation takes place.
It was a wonderful read and nostalgic to catch up with some things of which I had been part of while serving in IAF (30 Years).
Excellent.
The writer has interviewed number of officers and given their accounts of what transpired there. The book also has multiple images and its interpretation (of destruction).
It also brings out the dilemma faced by senior officers to keep the information closed without giving any hints of what and when the operation takes place.
It was a wonderful read and nostalgic to catch up with some things of which I had been part of while serving in IAF (30 Years).
Excellent.
April 5, 2026
Fantastic book
Wars are fought using strategy at the highest levels and complex weaponry out of a sci-fi film, but they are won because of the determination and will of the men and women on the frontline.....Vishnu Som, the author, has done justice to all three in short and interesting read
Wars are fought using strategy at the highest levels and complex weaponry out of a sci-fi film, but they are won because of the determination and will of the men and women on the frontline.....Vishnu Som, the author, has done justice to all three in short and interesting read
August 6, 2026
well collated info
Author Mr. Vishnu Som has articulated the changing aspects of modern warfare in a very efficient manner. He provides readers a deeper and more precise look at the operational planning, hardware, tactics and resilience of the service personnel in the line of duty. Kudos to him and salute to the brave warriors of the Indian Armed forces.
Author Mr. Vishnu Som has articulated the changing aspects of modern warfare in a very efficient manner. He provides readers a deeper and more precise look at the operational planning, hardware, tactics and resilience of the service personnel in the line of duty. Kudos to him and salute to the brave warriors of the Indian Armed forces.
March 21, 2026
Vishnu Som has included all details along with Sat images and key interviews to weave how the Ops Sindoor was conducted in May25 and destroyed key Pak assets.
Must read to understand how both air and ground missions are conducted.
Must read to understand how both air and ground missions are conducted.
April 4, 2026
Phenomenal book. Author has included content from interviews with air warriors along with his own analysis. Unparalleled work.
June 27, 2026
Exhilarating account of the short but high octane War
Well written with no narrative peddling, the truth does that, and not the proof on social media claimed by the other side.
Well written with no narrative peddling, the truth does that, and not the proof on social media claimed by the other side.
July 18, 2026
There was nothing new in the book. Anyone who had followed Operation Sindoor closely and read the relevant newspaper reports and articles would already have known all of it.
August 22, 2026
disappointed
This book is just a summary of all the information already available on the internet. Nothing new. Felt like a waste of my money and time.
This book is just a summary of all the information already available on the internet. Nothing new. Felt like a waste of my money and time.
September 11, 2026
If you want to understand the Indian Air Force's role in Operation Sindoor, Vishnu Som's Sky Warriors is a good read. Defence enthusiasts who regularly follow military affairs and social media discussions may find much of the content familiar, but the book still offers a coherent and insightful account of the operation and the IAF's contribution.
September 13, 2026
Fast paced yet quite detailed account of Operation sindoor.
September 25, 2026
very good and detailed information about such an important mission in our history. less storytelling, more facts, quick read.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews