Series Announcement at IAF Marathon
In a powerful moment bridging military valor and cinematic storytelling, Netflix unveiled its upcoming series Operation Safed Sagar during the inaugural Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon 2025 in New Delhi today . The announcement came amid an atmosphere charged with patriotism at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, where thousands had gathered to honor the Indian Air Force.
Monika Shergill, Vice President of Content at Netflix India, shared the first-look teaser alongside Series Head Tanya Bami before an audience that included serving officers, veterans, and Air Chief Marshal AP Singh . The event marked a fitting tribute to the armed forces, with the marathon simultaneously conducted at 46 locations across the country .
Inside the Series: What to Expect
Operation Safed Sagar promises to bring to life one of the most daring chapters from the 1999 Kargil War. The series will focus on the courageous pilots who attempted what the logline describes as “a daring and dangerous mission to fight for their motherland” .
The first-look teaser opens with Siddharth delivering a powerful line: “No squadron in the history of the Indian Air Force has ever done such a mission. We are the select chosen few” . The visuals then transition to Squadron Leader Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill, joined by their team—Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, and Taaruk Raina—as they stride toward their aircraft .
Jimmy Shergill’s character is shown briefing the team with determined words: “Pakistanis believe they have the upper hand, but they’re mistaken. Today, we face a choice: to create history or to be consumed by it” .
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Streaming Platform | Netflix |
| Release Window | 2026 |
| Director | Oni Sen |
| Production Companies | Matchbox Shots & Feel Good Films |
| Key Cast | Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin |
| IAF Collaboration | Yes, with extensive shooting at operational IAF bases |
The Real Operation Safed Sagar
The series takes its name from the actual air operation conducted by the Indian Air Force during the 1999 Kargil War . This historic mission began on May 26, 1999, when the Indian government authorized the limited use of air power to flush out Pakistani intruders who had crossed the Line of Control .
The Kargil War itself was a two-month conflict fought between May and July 1999, when Indian forces discovered that Pakistani paramilitary troops had infiltrated Indian territory in the Kargil district of Jammu and Kashmir . The intrusion occurred during the mountainous region’s harsh winter when Indian forces typically abandoned high-altitude military posts, which Pakistani troops then occupied .
Operation Safed Sagar represented the Indian Air Force’s pivotal contribution to the war effort—a 47-day campaign that demanded precise coordination between the Army and Air Force in some of the world’s most challenging terrain . The operation included precision airstrikes and coordinated efforts between the IAF and the Indian Army to drive out Pakistani forces from Indian positions along the Line of Control .
Authentic Production with IAF Collaboration
What sets this series apart is its unprecedented access to Indian Air Force resources and locations. The production was filmed extensively across operational Indian Air Force bases and features actual MiG aircraft and IAF personnel .
Air Chief Marshal AP Singh acknowledged the significance of the project at the launch event, stating, “It was an air battle at the highest point, and the Indian Air Force displayed the highest degree of professionalism in achieving the Kargil heights” .
This collaboration ensures an authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by IAF pilots during the operation. The teaser already showcases striking visuals of hangars and runways lined with Soviet-era fighter jets like the MiG-21, along with exhilarating aerial sequences of fighter planes taking off in formation and soaring through clouds and rugged mountain terrain .
The Creative Vision Behind the Series
Director Oni Sen, known for his gripping storytelling in the series Asur, brings his expertise in combining emotional depth with high-octane action sequences . The series is created by Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava .
Monika Shergill of Netflix India emphasized that the series “goes beyond the battlefield. It’s about the courage, friendship, and patriotism of those who went above and beyond to keep our nation safe” .
Sanjay Routray, Co-founder and Director at Matchbox Shots, noted that “Operation Safed Sagar is not just about war — it’s about courage, sacrifice, and transformation,” adding that “rare access to real IAF bases and the unwavering support of the Indian Air Force” helped bring to life “a tribute to the fighter pilots who redefined bravery at impossible altitudes” .
A Story of Unsung Heroes
At its heart, Operation Safed Sagar aims to pay tribute to the unsung heroes of the Indian Air Force . While celebrating military valor, the series also promises to highlight the human side of warfare—the fear, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit of those who serve .
The producers from Feel Good Films describe it as “a story of grit, heart and human spirit,” emphasizing that collaboration with Netflix and the Indian Air Force allowed them to “capture that spirit with authenticity and scale” .
As the teaser transitions between the treacherous, snow-clad mountains of Kargil and gripping scenes of Indian Air Force personnel preparing for battle, viewers get a sense of both the visual spectacle and emotional depth the series aims to deliver .
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the real Operation Safed Sagar?
Operation Safed Sagar was the code name for the Indian Air Force’s involvement in the 1999 Kargil War. It began on May 26, 1999, and represented India’s limited use of air power in coordination with ground forces to flush out Pakistani intruders from the Kargil sector .
When will Operation Safed Sagar stream on Netflix?
The series is expected to premiere in 2026 on Netflix. An exact release date has not yet been announced .
Who are the main cast members?
The series features Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill, Abhay Verma, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, and Arnav Bhasin in key roles .
How accurate is the series to real events?
The production has collaborated closely with the Indian Air Force, shooting at operational IAF bases and featuring actual aircraft and personnel. This suggests a strong commitment to authenticity, though creative liberties are often taken in dramatizations .
A New Chapter in Military Storytelling
Operation Safed Sagar represents a significant moment in Indian military storytelling—not just for its scale and production values, but for its mission to bring a lesser-known chapter of military history to mainstream audiences . With the backing of the Indian Air Force, an accomplished director, and a compelling cast, the series has the potential to do more than entertain; it can educate viewers about a critical moment in India’s defense history.
As Air Chief Marshal AP Singh noted while congratulating Netflix on the series, the Kargil operation was truly “an air battle at the highest point“—both in terms of altitude and national importance . For viewers eager to witness this story of unparalleled bravery and strategic excellence, 2026 can’t come soon enough.
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