Operation Safed Sagar: OTT release date, cast, crew, plot, teaser, and more about Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill's war drama series

The highly anticipated military drama Operation Safed Sagar had its official teaser released on Netflix India. The series provides an intense and graphic depiction of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) crucial part in the 1999 Kargil War. Operation Safed Sagar is based on the actual Indian Air Force mission of the same name, which is still the most extreme air operation in military history.

What are the central themes of Operation Safed Sagar?

The show has been in the works for a while, and its goal is to share the "untold saga" of aerial warfare at great heights with people all over the world. In the complicated strategic battle of Kargil, the Indian Air Force (IAF) was ordered to drive infiltrators from the rough Himalayan slopes. The story explores these intricacies where the "human cost of bravery" is a key theme, even if the performance boasts thrilling flying moments. Under challenging conditions, a brotherhood of pilots reinvents aviation innovation to safeguard the nation, and the series chronicles their personal metamorphoses as they manoeuvre through political tensions within enemy territory.

In the 90-second teaser, which debuted on February 3, 2026, an Air Force wife delivers a moving monologue on the "unsaid rule" of never arguing with her husband before a mission. The conversation highlights how intensely focused one must be in a cockpit to use more than 200 controls at speeds greater than 1,000 km/h.

ALSO READ: Operation Safed Sagar: Siddharth, Jimmy Shergill lead high-octane Kargil war drama on Netflix

Which iconic aircraft and moments are featured in the Operation Safed Sagar teaser?

Footage from the teaser depicts crucial briefings, the May 1999 mobilisation of soldiers, and stunning views of fighter jets MiG-21 and Mirage 2000 traversing the dangerous, snow-capped landscapes of Srinagar and Kargil. An evocative scene unfolds when a senior commander announces, "Operation Safed Sagar starts tomorrow at 07:00 hours," and then makes a firm commitment: "We will now either create history or get buried in it."

Siddharth, who plays the role of Flight Squadron Leader Ajay Ahuja, a real-life hero of the war, leads an impressive ensemble cast in the series. Along with him are Dia Mirza, Adil Hussain, Jimmy Shergill, and Abhay Verma. You might recognise Arnav Bhasin, Amrita Bagchi, Taaruk Raina, and Mihir Ahuja as supporting characters.

Who is the creative team behind the production of Operation Safed Sagar?

The project is directed by Oni Sen, known for his work on the psychological thriller Asur. Abhijeet Singh Parmar and Kushal Srivastava are the showrunners and creators of the series, while Sandeep Jain, Nikhil Ravi, and Barun Kashyap penned the script.

The production crew collaborated closely with the Indian Air Force to guarantee technical correctness. The series included real personnel making cameos and was shot at active IAF bases using real aircraft. Moving beyond typical combat clichés, the developers aimed to celebrate the pilots with "authenticity and deep respect" while discussing the mental fortitude needed for operations at unfathomably high altitudes.

When did the original military operation take place?

On May 26, 1999, the actual "Operation Safed Sagar" (the air component of the bigger "Operation Vijay") got underway. For the Jammu and Kashmir region, this was the first major deployment of air power since 1971. 

Operation Safed Sagar is set to premiere on Netflix in 2026 and follows the Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots as they confront unusual obstacles like air thinners impairing aircraft performance and the stringent order not to cross the Line of Control (LoC) despite being attacked by surface-to-air missiles. One of the most ambitious Indian "tentpole" projects of the year, the series has already created substantial interest since its first-look premiere at the Sekhon Indian Air Force Marathon in late 2025.

Operation Safed Sagar FAQs:

Q: Is Operation Safed Sagar based on a true story?

A: Yes, Operation Safed Sagar is rooted in true events and inspired by the actual aerial campaign launched by the IAF on May 26, 1999. To ensure historical and technical accuracy, the production was developed with the official support and collaboration of the Indian Air Force.

Q: Who is in the cast of the Operation Safed Sagar series?

A: Operation Safed Sagar features a large ensemble cast led by Siddharth and Jimmy Shergill. They are joined by Abhay Verma, Dia Mirza, Prajakta Koli, Adil Hussain, Mihir Ahuja, Taaruk Raina, Arnav Bhasin, and Amrita Bagchi.

Q: When is the release date for Operation Safed Sagar on Netflix?

A: While an exact global premiere date has not been officially confirmed by Netflix, Operation Safed Sagar is slated for release in 2026. Some industry reports suggest a potential launch around March 18, 2026, as part of the "Next on Netflix" 2026 lineup.