Operation Sindoor stands as a bold demonstration of India’s evolving military
doctrine, technological prowess, and commitment to self-reliance in defence.
Launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26
civilians dead, the operation targeted terror launch pads deep inside Pakistan
and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), marking a significant shift in India’s
counterterrorism strategy.
Dr. V K Saraswat, former Director General of DRDO and a key architect of
India’s missile and air defence systems, emphasised that Operation Sindoor
sent a clear message to the world: India is a force to be reckoned with and
cannot be underestimated.
According to Saraswat, the operation showcased not only India’s military
precision but also the remarkable indigenisation of its defence technologies.
Except for the Russian-supplied S-400, nearly all missiles, drones, and
fighter aircraft deployed were designed, developed, and manufactured in India,
including key systems like Akash, MRSAM, and LRSAM.
The operation’s success was rooted in years of investment and innovation by
Indian agencies such as DRDO and ISRO. The ability to hit targets with
pinpoint accuracy deep inside enemy territory, while minimizing collateral
damage, highlighted the maturity of India’s guidance, navigation, and weapon
systems. Indian forces demonstrated the capability to bypass and jam advanced
Chinese-supplied air defence systems deployed by Pakistan, completing complex
strikes in just 23 minutes.
Operation Sindoor also underscored seamless tri-service coordination. The
Indian Air Force executed precision strikes, the Army neutralized cross-border
threats, and the Navy maintained a strategic posture in the Arabian Sea,
ensuring full operational preparedness. This comprehensive approach reflected
India’s readiness for modern, multidimensional warfare.
The operation’s technological edge is the product of overcoming decades of
international restrictions, such as those imposed by the Missile Technology
Control Regime (MTCR). Under the leadership of visionaries like Dr. Abdul
Kalam, India turned adversity into opportunity, achieving over 70-80%
indigenisation in weapon systems. While some components are still imported for
cost reasons, the overwhelming majority of India’s arsenal is now domestically
produced.
Dr Saraswat, highlighted that India’s arsenal now consists predominantly of
stand-off weapons, enabling the country to strike targets deep inside enemy
territory without crossing borders. This marks a significant shift from
traditional warfare, where direct territorial incursions were necessary.
He emphasised that the “complete complexion of warfare is changing,” with
technology enabling precision strikes from a distance and reducing the need
for close combat.
India is actively developing hypersonic glide vehicles (HGVs), hypersonic
missiles, and directed energy weapons such as lasers.
Hypersonic weapons, capable of speeds greater than Mach 5, offer advantages in
speed, manoeuvrability, and unpredictability, making them difficult to detect
and intercept. India’s recent unveiling and successful tests of HGVs and
scramjet-powered missiles place it among a select group of nations with such
advanced capabilities.
Directed energy weapons, especially high-powered lasers, are being readied for
deployment. Saraswat noted, “A laser beam will be able to kill a drone in no
time… as you know, a laser beam travels at the speed of light. So you can see
that in such a short time you can do the entire damage, so nobody has time to
move”.
India’s manoeuvrable ballistic missile defence system, developed under
Saraswat’s guidance, is now ready for deployment. This system is designed to
intercept and neutralise incoming missile threats, enhancing India’s defensive
posture.
Saraswat also underscored India’s progress toward self-reliance (Atmanirbhar)
in defence technologies, achieving 70-80% indigenisation in weapon systems.
While some components are still imported due to cost-effectiveness, the
majority of critical systems are now produced domestically.
The integration of hypersonic and directed energy weapons is expected to
revolutionize India’s military capabilities, providing rapid response options
and complicating adversary defences.
These technologies compress the time available for enemy reaction,
fundamentally altering deterrence dynamics and the strategic calculus of
potential adversaries.
Capability | Status | Key Features |
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles | Unveiled, in advanced testing | Mach 5+ speeds, manoeuvrability, long range |
Hypersonic Missiles | Tested, under development | Scramjet propulsion, precision strikes |
Directed Energy Weapons | Near deployment | Speed-of-light engagement, anti-drone utility |
Ballistic Missile Defence | Ready for deployment | Manoeuvrable interceptors, indigenous technology |
Operation Sindoor marked a doctrinal shift by erasing the distinction between
terrorists and their state sponsors, sending a clear warning that any state
supporting terrorism would face direct and proportional retaliation. The
global response was notably supportive of India’s right to defend itself, and
the operation helped reframe the Kashmir issue as a fight against terrorism
rather than a bilateral dispute.
Looking ahead, Saraswat highlighted India’s pursuit of next-generation
technologies, including hypersonic missiles and directed energy weapons,
further strengthening its deterrence and operational capabilities. India’s
defence sector, propelled by the mission of Atmanirbhar Bharat
(self-reliance), is now poised to meet future challenges with indigenous
solutions and strategic confidence.
Operation Sindoor is not just a military success but a defining moment that
signals India’s arrival as a technologically advanced, self-reliant, and
assertive global power in defence.
Agencies