India’s growing technological self-reliance
Operation SINDOOR emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare. This pattern increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. The terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam in April 2025 served as grim reminder of this shift. India’s response was deliberate, precise, and strategic. Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats. However, beyond tactical brilliance, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence. Operation SINDOOR marks a milestone in India’s journey towards technological self-reliance in military operations. This is evident whether in drone warfare, layered air defence, or electronic warfare.
Air Defence Capabilities: Tech as the First Line of Protection
On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage several military targets. These targets were in Northern and Western India. These targets included Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. They used drones and missiles to carry out the attack. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and Air Defence systems.
Air Defence systems detect and track threats. They neutralise threats using a network of radars, control centres, and artillery. They also employ both aircraft- and ground-based missiles.
On the morning of May 8, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars. They also aimed at systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. An Air Defence system at Lahore was neutralised.
PERFORMANCE OF SYSTEMS
As part of Operation SINDOOR, the following were used:
- Battle-proven AD (Air Defence) systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns (Low-level air defence guns).
- Indigenous systems such as the Akash, which demonstrated stellar performance
AKASH is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks. The AKASH Weapon System can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode. It has built in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features. The entire weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms.
India’s Air Defence Systems, combining assets from the Army, Navy, and primarily the Air Force, performed with exceptional synergy. These systems created an impenetrable wall, foiling multiple attempts by Pakistan to retaliate.
The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force brought all these elements together. It provides the net-centric operational capability vital for modern warfare.
Offensive Actions with Pinpoint Accuracy
India’s offensive strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases- Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan with surgical precision. Loitering munitions were used to devastating effect, each finding and destroying high-value targets, including enemy radar and missile systems.
Loitering munitions, also known as “suicide drones” or “kamikaze drones”, are weapons systems. They can hover or circle a target area. These systems search for a suitable target before attacking.
All strikes were executed without loss of Indian assets, underscoring the effectiveness of our surveillance, planning, and delivery systems. The use of modern indigenous technology, from long-range drones to guided munitions, made these strikes highly effective and politically calibrated.
The Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems. They completed the mission in just 23 minutes. This demonstrated India’s technological edge.
Evidence of Neutralized Threats
Operation SINDOOR also produced concrete evidence of hostile technologies neutralized by Indian systems:
- Pieces of PL-15 missiles (of Chinese origin)
- Turkish-origin UAVs, named “Yiha” or “YEEHAW”
- Long-range rockets, quadcopters and commercial drones
These were recovered and identified. This demonstrates that while Pakistan attempted to exploit advanced foreign-supplied weaponry, India’s indigenous air defence was superior. Their electronic warfare networks also remained superior.
Performance of Systems: Air Defence Measures of the Indian Army
On May 12, Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General Military Operations, in the Operation SINDOOR press briefing highlighted the excellent performance of a mix of legacy and modern systems:
Preparedness and Coordination:
Precise strikes on terrorists were conducted. They did not cross the Line of Control or International Boundary. It was anticipated that Pakistan’s response would come from across the border.
- A unique blend of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems, Electronic Warfare assets, and Air Defence Weapons from both Army and Air Force
- Multiple defensive layers from the International Boundary inward:
- Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems
- Shoulder-Fired Weapons
- Legacy Air Defence Weapons
- Modern Air Defence Weapon Systems
This multi-tier defence prevented Pakistan Air Force attacks on our airfields and logistic installations during the night of May 9-10. These systems, built over the last decade with continuous government investment, proved to be force multipliers during the operation. They were vital in securing both civilian and military infrastructure across India. This helped them remain largely unaffected during enemy retaliation attempts.
ISRO’s contribution: At an event on May 11, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan mentioned at least 10 satellites are in operation. They are continuously working round-the-clock. They serve a strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country. To ensure the safety of the country, the nation has to serve through its satellites. It has to monitor its 7,000 km seashore areas. It has to monitor the entire Northern part continuously. Without satellite and drone technology, the country can’t achieve that.
The Business of Drone Power: A Rising Indigenous Industry
The Drone Federation India (DFI), is a premier industry body representing over 550 drone companies and 5500 drone pilots. DFI’s vision is to make India a global drone hub by 2030. It promotes the design, development, and manufacturing of Indian drone technology. DFI also supports the adoption and export of Indian counter-drone technology worldwide. DFI enables ease of doing business, promotes the adoption of drone technology, and hosts several programs like Bharat Drone Mahotsav. Some companies involved in the drone space are:
- Alpha Design Technologies (Bengaluru): Partnered with Israel’s Elbit Systems to build SkyStriker.
- Tata Advanced Systems offers a full range of integrated solutions across Defence & Security and has served as a trusted partner to India’s armed forces for over six decades
- Paras Defence & Space Technologies operates within the Defence and Space segments, distinguished by Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) capabilities
- IG Drones is a Drone Technology Company. They specialize in manufacturing and R & D of drones for defence and other industry applications. They also provide drone-related services like surveying, mapping, and inspection by industry experts. The company has partnered with Indian Army, Government of India, multiple State Governments, among others.
The Indian drone market is projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, accounting for 12.2% of the global drone market.
Drones at the Centre of Modern Warfare
The integration of drone warfare into India’s military doctrine owes its success to years of domestic R&D and policy reform. Since 2021, the ban on imported drones has catalyzed rapid innovation. The launch of the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme has further accelerated progress. The Scheme of Production Linked Incentive for drones and drone components was notified on 30th September, 2021. A total incentive of Rs 120 crores is spread over three Financial Years. These FYs are FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24. The future lies in autonomous drones with AI-driven decision-making, and India is already laying the groundwork.
Defence exports crossed the record figure of about Rs 24,000 crore in Financial Year 2024-25. The aim is to increase the figure to Rs 50,000 crore by 2029. The goal is to make India a developed nation and the world’s largest defence exporter by 2047.
Make in India continues to power the growth of the defence sector
India has emerged as a major defence manufacturing hub. This is driven by the “Make in India” initiative. There is also a strong push for self-reliance. In FY 2023–24, indigenous defence production reached a record ₹1.27 lakh crore, while exports soared to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25, a 34-fold increase from 2013–14. Strategic reforms have led to the development of advanced military platforms. Private sector involvement plays a crucial role. Robust R&D supports innovations like the Dhanush Artillery Gun System and Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS). Developments include the Main Battle Tank (MBT) Arjun, Light Specialist Vehicles, and High Mobility Vehicles. Platforms like the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) are significant. Efforts also focus on the Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Akash Missile System. Weapon Locating Radar and 3D Tactical Control Radar are key. Innovations extend to Software Defined Radio (SDR). Naval assets include destroyers and indigenous aircraft carriers. Developments cover submarines, frigates, and corvettes. Initiatives include fast patrol vessels and fast attack craft. Offshore patrol vessels are also part of growth.
The government has backed this growth with record procurement contracts. It also supports innovations under iDEX and drives like SRIJAN. Additionally, there are two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. Key acquisitions include LCH (Light Combat Helicopters) Prachand helicopters. The ATAGS (Approval for Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System) also highlights the shift towards indigenous capability. India aims for ₹3 lakh crore in production by 2029. It also targets ₹50,000 crore in exports. India is firmly positioning itself as a self-reliant and globally competitive defense manufacturing power.
Operation SINDOOR is not just a story of tactical success. It is a validation of India’s defence indigenization policies. Indigenous technology has delivered with air defence systems and drones. It excelled with counter-UAS capabilities. Indigenous technology also shone with net-centric warfare platforms when it mattered most. The private sector’s innovation has converged with public-sector execution. Additionally, military vision has empowered India. Together, they have allowed India to defend its people and territory. They have also empowered India to assert its role as a hi-tech military power in the 21st century. In future conflicts, the battlefield will increasingly be shaped by technology. And India, as shown in Operation SINDOOR, is ready. It is armed with its own innovations and backed by a determined state. It is also powered by the ingenuity of its people.
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