Operation Cactus

Ashok K Chordia

ISBN 10: 9386288982 / ISBN 13: 9789386288981

Published by Knowledge World International, IN, 2017

About this Item

Seller Inventory # LU-9789386288981

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Operation Cactus
• Publisher: Knowledge World International, IN
• Publication Date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 9386288982
• ISBN 13: 9789386288981
• Binding: Hardback
• Condition: New
• Dimensions: 15.24W x 2.06H x 22.86D centimeters 15.24 centimeters width by 2.06 centimeters height by 22.86 centimeters depth
• Weight: 603 grams

About this title

Synopsis

A coup attempt in the Maldives in November 1988 sent President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom into hiding. Malé flashed desperate SOS messages to several countries seeking military assistance. India was prompt in extending the requisite support. Operation Cactus was launched to rescue President Gayoom and restore his democratically elected government. The decision to launch the airborne operation more than 2,500 km away was deliberate, bold, and sufficiently contemplated by the political and the military leadership of India. The Indian Air Force promptly airlifted the paratroopers of the Indian Army to Hulule Island. The Indian Navy joined in to buttress the effort of the Army and Air Force. Exemplary synergy among the three Services and the diplomatic corps was the hallmark of Operation Cactus.

About the Author

Group Captain Ashok K Chordia is an alumnus of the National Defence Academy and the College of Air Warfare. A former Assistant Director of Operations (Para), he has served as the Commandant and as the Chief Instructor at the Garud Regimental Training Centre. As a Parachute Jump Instructor, he has jumped from 10 different types of IAF aircraft--from the vintage Packet and Dakota to the state-of-the-art Special Operations aircraft, C-130J Super Hercules. He has carried out test jumps with newly developed parachutes and trial jumps during the induction of AN-32 and IL-76 aircraft. He is a founding member of Akashganga, the IAF's Skydiving Team. He alongwith Wg Cdr SK Banerjee holds The Limca Book Record for forming and flying the first ever parachute formation in the Indian skies. He led a team of Parachute Jump Instructors in Operation Cactus (the Maldives, November 1988). He is a Senior Fellow at the Centre for Air Power Studies, New Delhi.