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THE SKY WARRIORS : Operation Sindoor Unveiled
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 14, 2026
As India commemorated one year of Operation Sindoor on 7th May, 2026 the skies that streaked with missiles and munitions during those intense days last year find vivid life in the book, ‘The Sky Warriors’, authored by Vishnu Som, who shifts effortlessly from mainstream journalism to longform narration, clearly displaying his appetite for all things defence while honouring the Indian Armed Forces. The book presents a balanced account of the action and also, through various interviews, addresses key questions about civilian safety and the scope and timing of the operations. In the war against false narratives, reading this book a year on clearly shows that honest narration and an objective account of the entire Operation as it unfolded surpasses false propaganda.
For a reader with an appetite for defence, the level of detail in the book — the result of thorough, in-depth, personal reporting — is impressive. The author draws from a comprehensive range of sources, including official records and interviews with officers in the thick of the action. Vishnu Som has used every bit of his arsenal throughout his journalistic career to piece together the events that led to India’s decisive victory in Operation Sindoor. From the first launch of the S-400 system, unprecedented drone attacks, BrahMos in action, Akash deployment, to the catalogue of the various aircraft, missiles, munitions, and drones used in this complex war, the descriptions are a delight for new and seasoned readers. The book also takes care to verify claims and dispel false narratives — such as aircraft allegedly shot down — and to address the leadership and support of the Air Commands during the intense period leading up to and between 7th and 10th May 2025.
Anyone who watched the live coverage of the action can now go back and unravel the finer details of the operation, including stories of the countless brave warriors behind it. As one officer says, “You should have let us write a message on the missiles.” Vishnu Som has definitely written more than a message; he has, in fact, blazed a trail, bringing to life the moments of the war, which raises the question: who else is better placed than the reporter who chases the story to tell you the story?
Beyond its retelling of the four intense days, the book serves as a guide to modern warfare. How is modern warfare fought? What systems have proven in battle? In this sense, the events in the book will shape India’s defence posture for years to come.
In recent years, the writing on defence has been elevated by journalists such as Rahul Singh and Shiv Aroor, who have written compelling accounts of India’s fearless warriors through ground reporting, first-hand testimonies, and heart-wrenching stories of complex military action. Complementing these works, ‘The Sky Warriors’ sets its own path with an account of what really transpired during Operation Sindoor. Vishnu Som’s meticulous fact-checking and honest writing are essential contributions to contemporary Indian defence literature.
For a reader with an appetite for defence, the level of detail in the book — the result of thorough, in-depth, personal reporting — is impressive. The author draws from a comprehensive range of sources, including official records and interviews with officers in the thick of the action. Vishnu Som has used every bit of his arsenal throughout his journalistic career to piece together the events that led to India’s decisive victory in Operation Sindoor. From the first launch of the S-400 system, unprecedented drone attacks, BrahMos in action, Akash deployment, to the catalogue of the various aircraft, missiles, munitions, and drones used in this complex war, the descriptions are a delight for new and seasoned readers. The book also takes care to verify claims and dispel false narratives — such as aircraft allegedly shot down — and to address the leadership and support of the Air Commands during the intense period leading up to and between 7th and 10th May 2025.
Anyone who watched the live coverage of the action can now go back and unravel the finer details of the operation, including stories of the countless brave warriors behind it. As one officer says, “You should have let us write a message on the missiles.” Vishnu Som has definitely written more than a message; he has, in fact, blazed a trail, bringing to life the moments of the war, which raises the question: who else is better placed than the reporter who chases the story to tell you the story?
Beyond its retelling of the four intense days, the book serves as a guide to modern warfare. How is modern warfare fought? What systems have proven in battle? In this sense, the events in the book will shape India’s defence posture for years to come.
In recent years, the writing on defence has been elevated by journalists such as Rahul Singh and Shiv Aroor, who have written compelling accounts of India’s fearless warriors through ground reporting, first-hand testimonies, and heart-wrenching stories of complex military action. Complementing these works, ‘The Sky Warriors’ sets its own path with an account of what really transpired during Operation Sindoor. Vishnu Som’s meticulous fact-checking and honest writing are essential contributions to contemporary Indian defence literature.
Review of advance copy
Based on interviews with Indian Air Force officers who were directly involved in Operation Sindoor, the author does a commendable job of weaving together publicly available narratives with the lived experiences of IAF pilots and officers. The use of satellite imagery—sourced both from private providers and Government of India channels—adds depth and credibility to the account, grounding the narrative in verifiable detail.
What stood out most to me, however, was the book’s balanced perspective. While social media narratives often portray India as having overwhelming superiority, the officers interviewed consistently describe the Pakistan Air Force as a formidable adversary. This professional respect lends authenticity to the narrative. At the same time, the interviews suggest that flawed decision-making at the higher command levels in Pakistan often placed their forces at a disadvantage. There are even accounts of Pakistani aircraft operating in proximity to civilian flights to deter engagement—an approach that relied on the restraint and rules of engagement followed by India.
A key takeaway from the book is that India’s edge does not rest merely on equipment or numbers, but on the planning, training, and resolve of its armed forces. The Indian Air Force’s superior operational planning, rigorous training standards, and strong intelligence coordination emerge as decisive factors. The ability to integrate real-time intelligence, execute complex missions with precision, and maintain discipline under pressure reflects a level of institutional professionalism that gives India a clear strategic advantage.
This also brings to mind a remark attributed to a Pakistani NCO after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, who reportedly told an Indian officer that had their generals been half as capable as their Indian counterparts, the outcome might have been different. That sentiment seems to echo, in a different form, through the accounts presented in this book.
Overall, this is a compelling and insightful read. A thoughtful reader will come away with the understanding that while India currently holds an advantage, sustaining that edge will require continuous investment in training, planning, and strategic capability.
What stood out most to me, however, was the book’s balanced perspective. While social media narratives often portray India as having overwhelming superiority, the officers interviewed consistently describe the Pakistan Air Force as a formidable adversary. This professional respect lends authenticity to the narrative. At the same time, the interviews suggest that flawed decision-making at the higher command levels in Pakistan often placed their forces at a disadvantage. There are even accounts of Pakistani aircraft operating in proximity to civilian flights to deter engagement—an approach that relied on the restraint and rules of engagement followed by India.
A key takeaway from the book is that India’s edge does not rest merely on equipment or numbers, but on the planning, training, and resolve of its armed forces. The Indian Air Force’s superior operational planning, rigorous training standards, and strong intelligence coordination emerge as decisive factors. The ability to integrate real-time intelligence, execute complex missions with precision, and maintain discipline under pressure reflects a level of institutional professionalism that gives India a clear strategic advantage.
This also brings to mind a remark attributed to a Pakistani NCO after the Indo-Pakistani War of 1971, who reportedly told an Indian officer that had their generals been half as capable as their Indian counterparts, the outcome might have been different. That sentiment seems to echo, in a different form, through the accounts presented in this book.
Overall, this is a compelling and insightful read. A thoughtful reader will come away with the understanding that while India currently holds an advantage, sustaining that edge will require continuous investment in training, planning, and strategic capability.
Review of advance copy
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.
May 2, 2026
Vishnu Som’s book is an account of air operations during Operation Sindoor narrated in a gripping manner. It has excerpts of interviews of fighter pilots, AD commanders and planners of air operations during the course of those four days. Great read
June 6, 2026
Very detailed but equally haphazard. Love the idea behind the book but wasn't a fan of the way it is executed. What could've been an exhilarating read ends up being just an okay-ish experience.
May 30, 2026
A well articulated account of Air operations during Operation Sindoor … The book keeps you engaged in thrill, owing to the detailed account of strike missions and Air Defence operations conducted by IAF. Covers a lot of details, whatever could be shared in open domain … A must read for all …..
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews