basic doctrine of the indian air force     16 Security. The physical protection of assets and information denial is essential for all military operations since it enables friendly forces to achieve their objectives despite enemy interference. Security of key force multipliers such as Aerostats/AAR/AWACS would be crucial for success in war. Adequate measures must be taken to ensure their physical security on ground even against asymmetric attacks. There is a need, therefore, to not only physically guard these vital assets but also have electronic surveillance devices in place to supplement physical surveillance both during peace and in war. Deception and Surprise. Speed, reach and elevation endow air power with a high degree of inherent surprise. Surprise plays the greatest role in war, and its effect on morale is great. In some operations, particularly when other factors are unfavourable, surprise may prove essential to success. Surprise can be achieved through a manoeuvre, or by exploiting a new doctrine and technology. Its elements are secrecy, concealment, deception, originality, audacity, timing and speed. Deception can be combined with initiative and innovation to increase the element of surprise. Flexibility and Managing Change. Armed forces should be able to adapt themselves to change. This could be termed as “Managing Change” and goes beyond flexibility and can also be achieved by flexibility in employing combat power. The change could occur in the various dimensions of war – land, sea and air – and also at the various levels of warfare – tactical, operational or strategic. The purpose should be to derive maximum advantage from the altered circumstances. It would require initiative, mobility and flexibility to be encompassed into one philosophy. Air power best exemplifies these attributes because it can be switched from one theatre or area of operations to the other, from one target to the other or from one role to the other. Synergy, Synchronisation and Cooperation. Modern wars demand the joint and synchronised application of force by all