India Launches Operation Vijay — IAF Enters Kargil

India launched Operation Vijay to retake the occupied peaks, and on May 26, the Indian Air Force entered the conflict for the first time, flying strikes against Pakistani positions. The IAF operated under strict orders to remain on the Indian side of the LOC. India lost several aircraft to Pakistani Stinger missiles and MANPADS, including MiG-21, MiG-27, and Mi-8 helicopter.