Operation Sindoor: Showcasing of IAF’s strength, capability, and self-reliance

By Gp Capt (Dr) DK Pandey (Retd)

The catalyst for Operation Sindoor was a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, attributed to a terrorist group supported by Pakistan. This incident acted as the immediate impetus for India’s retaliatory measures, reflecting a robust commitment to counter cross-border terrorism. Operation Sindoor, meticulously planned and executed in two distinct phases, with the second round executed on May 10, targeted strategic Pakistani airbases through precision strikes aimed at crippling Pakistan’s military infrastructure.

Before these airbase engagements, on the night of May 9-10, Pakistan launched attempts to strike both civilian and military infrastructure in India. Such provocations necessitated a more pronounced military response under Operation Sindoor, reinforcing the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) crucial defensive role in protecting national assets.

The initial phase of India’s response began on May 7, focusing on neutralising terror infrastructure within Pakistan. This early action underscores a comprehensive strategic aim of dismantling the operational support networks for terrorism originating from Pakistani soil, thereby ensuring long-term security. Notably, the engagement involved advanced missile systems like the Crystal Maze, which can relay real-time video feedback until impact, emphasising precision targeting and verification of target neutralisation.

Demonstrating ‘Sashakat’: The IAF’s offensive power

Operation Sindoor effectively showcased the IAF’s ‘Sashakat’ capabilities by offensive strength through the devastating impact of its precision and decisive strikes on Pakistani air defences and infrastructure. The operation employed a multi-layered assault strategy augmented by advanced munitions.

Approximately 15 BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles were employed to target critical infrastructure across 11 out of 12 key Pakistani Air Force bases. This extensive and coordinated targeting of vital air infrastructure demonstrated a clear intent to inflict significant damage and disrupt Pakistan’s ability to conduct air operations. The precision attacks effectively paralysed Pakistan’s air defence and strike capabilities. This outcome limited Pakistan’s immediate retaliatory options and had a longer-term impact on its overall military readiness and the strategic balance in the region. Specific airbases such as Bholari, Nur Khan, Sargodha, Rafiqui, Murid, Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, and Chunian sustained damage, providing tangible evidence of the widespread impact of the strikes. The Bholari airbase, a key Pakistani air force hub housing advanced F-16 aircraft, was among the targeted locations. Confirming the effect, the Chief Minister of Pakistan’s Sindh province acknowledged the Indian air strikes on Bholari airbase, which resulted in casualties, including six air force staff members. This tacit admission from a high-ranking Pakistani official lends significant credence to India’s claims and underscores the effectiveness of the IAF’s offensive action.

Furthermore, reports indicated the loss of high-value Pakistani assets, including long-endurance UAVs and an airborne early warning system (AEW&CS) destroyed in a hangar in Sindh province. Targeting and neutralising such strategic assets demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of Pakistan’s airpower infrastructure and the ability to inflict long-term damage to their operational capabilities. Sources also suggested that the strikes were much deeper and broader than both sides officially claimed, hinting at a potentially even more substantial demonstration of force.

Showcasing ‘Saksham’: Tactics and technologies in action

IAF’s ‘Saksham’ (operational) capabilities in contemporary air warfare was evident in the sophisticated tactics and advanced technologies employed during Operation Sindoor. The IAF initiated a multi-layered assault strategy by launching dummy aircraft designed to simulate an incoming fighter threat. This decoy tactic was a calculated move intended to provoke a response from Pakistani air defences, revealing their locations and operational status.

As anticipated, Pakistan activated its radar and air defence systems, including HQ-9 missile batteries, effectively exposing them to Indian forces. With their defences now vulnerable, the IAF followed up by launching loitering munitions, such as the Israeli Harop drones, to neutralise the exposed air Defence grid. These “kamikaze drones” are designed to target and destroy enemy radar systems, creating safer corridors for subsequent strike operations.

Once the Pakistani radar network was compromised, the IAF proceeded with long-range precision strikes. This sequential approach – deception, neutralisation of defences, and offensive strikes – demonstrates a well-coordinated and competent airpower strategy. The IAF deployed a variety of advanced munitions, including BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, Scalp long-range air-to-ground missiles, Crystal Maze missiles with video feedback, and Rampage air-to-ground missiles. These were launched from fighter aircraft operating under the Western and Southwestern Air Commands, showcasing the IAF’s diverse strike capabilities and the coordinated involvement of multiple commands. Notably, the IAF demonstrated its technological prowess by jamming and bypassing Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems in just 23 minutes. This rapid neutralisation of advanced systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 underscores India’s significant capability in electronic warfare. To prevent Pakistani retaliation, the IAF employed a “unique blend of counter-unmanned aerial systems, electronic warfare assets, and air defence weapons”.

This multi-layered defence approach highlights the IAF’s comprehensive capabilities in countering aerial threats. Loitering munitions, also known as kamikaze drones, were used effectively to destroy high-value targets such as radars and missile systems. Furthermore, the IAF utilised high-resolution reconnaissance unmanned aerial vehicles and post-damage satellite pictures for intelligence gathering and damage assessment, demonstrating advanced ISR capabilities.

‘Atmanirbhar’ in action: The role of indigenous defence capabilities

Operation Sindoor served as a significant validation of India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology. The operational use of the BrahMos missile in this conflict marked a historic milestone for India’s missile capabilities. This was the first instance of the BrahMos, though a joint development with Russia, being used in active conflict, exceeding performance expectations with its high-precision strikes. The indigenous Akash missile system also demonstrated “stellar performance” during the operation. This short-range surface-to-air missile system showcased its capability to engage multiple targets and resist electronic interference simultaneously, highlighting the effectiveness of India’s domestically produced air Defence technology.

The Akashteer air defence control and reporting systems, another indigenous development, played a crucial role in enhancing situational awareness by providing a real-time composite air situation picture when integrated with the IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The government emphasised the seamless use of indigenous technologies across various domains, including drone warfare, layered air defence, and electronic warfare, highlighting the success of India’s defence indigenisation policies and investments. Indigenous loitering munitions and guided munitions were also deployed effectively during the operation, demonstrating India’s growing capability in developing and fielding advanced strike weapons.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also played a vital role, with at least 10 satellites working round-the-clock to provide crucial surveillance and ensure national security, monitoring both the extensive coastline and the northern border. The IACCS, an indigenous net-centric platform, was central to the operation, facilitating real-time coordination across air, land, and sea domains, which is vital for modern warfare.

Neutralising the adversary: Countering foreign-supplied systems

A significant aspect of Operation Sindoor was the IAF’s success in countering Pakistan’s air defence systems, many of which were foreign. The IAF effectively bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-built HQ-9 and HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles. This was achieved rapidly, in just 23 minutes, demonstrating India’s advanced electronic warfare capabilities against sophisticated foreign systems. Following the operation, Indian forces recovered pieces of Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish Bayraktar-style drones (identified as “Yiha” or “YEEHHAW”). This recovery provided concrete evidence of the foreign weaponry used by Pakistan and successfully neutralised by India’s defence systems. Despite Pakistan’s deployment of these advanced foreign-supplied weapons, India’s indigenous air defence and electronic warfare networks maintained their superiority throughout the conflict.

Notably, the much-touted Chinese PL-15 missile failed to score a single hit during the operation, indicating the IAF’s tactics and technology’s effectiveness in countering this threat. The identification and recovery of proof of these “hostile technologies” further underscored the success of India’s countermeasures.

Strategic implications and India’s evolving defence posture

Operation Sindoor has significant regional strategic implications and highlights India’s evolving defence posture. The successful operational deployment of the BrahMos missile has validated its deterrent value and potential as a potent first-strike option. This capability demonstration enhances India’s strategic deterrence and projects its regional power. The operation also clearly illustrated India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, particularly in critical areas like electronic warfare and drone combat. Completing the mission to neutralise Pakistan’s air defences in just 23 minutes underscores India’s technological edge and rapid response capabilities. The operation also exposed Pakistan’s reliance on foreign weaponry, potentially highlighting a vulnerability in its Defence strategy.

Following the IAF’s decisive counter-attack, Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) made frantic calls for a ceasefire, indicating the overwhelming impact of Operation Sindoor. This diplomatic outcome underscores the strategic success of the military action. India effectively conveyed its capability to conduct pinpointed conventional strikes anywhere within Pakistan’s territory.

The fact that all Indian strikes were executed without any loss of assets further emphasises the effectiveness of India’s surveillance, planning, and delivery systems. The strikes were also politically calibrated, indicating a well-thought-out strategic response aligned with India’s broader national security objectives.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor effectively showcased the IAF commitment to its “Sashakat” capabilities, significantly impacting Pakistani air defences and infrastructure. The operation utilised a well-coordinated multi-layered assault strategy, advanced munitions, and swift neutralisation of enemy defences, illustrating the IAF’s “Saksham” strengths in contemporary air warfare.

The successful deployment of indigenously developed defence systems like the BrahMos and Akash missiles, along with cutting-edge electronic warfare technologies and the IACCS, highlighted the IAF’s advancement toward greater “Atmanirbhar” (self-reliance) in vital domains of air warfare.

Operation Sindoor is a commendable example of the IAF’s growing strength, capability, and dedication to ensuring national security. It reflects both its evolving tactics and commitment to self-reliance in defence initiatives.