India Showcases Military Self-Reliance with Operation SINDOOR and Indigenous Tech Power
New Delhi, May 15:
In a bold display of strategic strength and technological self-reliance, India has revealed unprecedented levels of indigenous defence capabilities through Operation SINDOOR, a meticulously planned and executed military response to evolving asymmetric threats. Launched in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack on civilians and tourists in April 2025, this operation is not only a tactical success but a turning point in India’s journey towards becoming a global defence powerhouse.
Precision Without Provocation: India’s Strategic Response
Operation SINDOOR was carefully calibrated to ensure that military responses did not cross the Line of Control or the international boundary. Indian forces neutralized terrorist infrastructure with surgical precision, leveraging drone warfare, layered air defence, and cutting-edge electronic warfare — all largely powered by indigenous systems.
Air Defence: India’s First Shield of Protection
Drone and missile attacks on May 7-8:
Pakistan attempted strikes on multiple Indian cities including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. These were thwarted by India’s Integrated Counter UAS Grid and air defence systems.
Indian retaliation on May 8:
India targeted and neutralised Pakistani Air Defence Radars, including a strategic system in Lahore.
Battle-tested systems in action:
India deployed a mix of legacy and indigenous air defence systems:
- Pechora, OSA-AK and LLAD guns
- Indigenous Akash missile system, with autonomous target engagement and ECCM features
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.
Synergized defence network:
Army, Navy, and Air Force assets were coordinated through the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS), enabling real-time responses.
Offensive Action: Pinpoint and Political
Surgical strikes:
India struck Pakistani airbases Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan using loitering munitions — precision “kamikaze drones” that hover before locking onto and destroying targets.
Mission outcomes:
All strikes were executed without Indian losses. The Air Force jammed Chinese-supplied Pakistani defence systems and completed operations in just 23 minutes.
Recovered evidence of enemy weapons:
- Chinese PL-15 missile debris
- Turkish UAVs (“Yiha”)
- Rockets, quadcopters, and commercial drones
Multi-Layer Defence: Indian Army’s Performance
Expecting retaliation:
India pre-emptively activated layered defences from the international border inward:
- Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)
- Shoulder-fired weapons
- Legacy and modern air defence systems
Outcome:
On May 9-10, these systems successfully prevented Pakistan Air Force attacks on Indian airfields and logistics hubs.
Satellite Surveillance: ISRO’s Strategic Role
Ten active satellites for national security:
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated on May 11 that India uses at least 10 satellites to monitor its vast seashores and northern borders round the clock. Satellite and drone coordination is now central to India’s defence readiness.
Drones as the Core of Modern Warfare
Drone Federation of India (DFI):
An apex body with 550 companies and 5,500 drone pilots aims to make India a global drone hub by 2030.
Key players in Indian drone tech:
- Alpha Design Technologies (partnered with Elbit Systems)
- Tata Advanced Systems (defence solutions across platforms)
- Paras Defence & Space Technologies (IDDM-certified innovations)
- IG Drones (services for defence and public sector)
Government policy support:
Since 2021, the PLI scheme with ₹120 crore incentive has spurred R&D in drone technology. The future lies in autonomous drones equipped with AI for battlefield decision-making.
Market projection:
The Indian drone market is expected to hit $11 billion by 2030, capturing 12.2% of the global market.
Defence Manufacturing Boom: Make in India Impact
Record-breaking figures:
Indigenous defence production touched ₹1.27 lakh crore in FY 2023–24. Exports reached ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024–25 — a 34-fold rise from 2013–14.
Notable indigenous platforms:
- Dhanush Artillery Gun
- ATAGS
- MBT Arjun
- LCA Tejas
- ALH and LUH helicopters
- Akash Missile System
- Naval destroyers, submarines, and aircraft carriers
Government support mechanisms:
- Procurement contracts and SRIJAN platform
- iDEX innovation ecosystem
- Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
Export goals:
India aims to hit ₹50,000 crore in exports and ₹3 lakh crore in production by 2029, becoming the world’s largest defence exporter by 2047.
A New Era of Self-Reliance in Defence
Validation through performance:
Operation SINDOOR validated India’s defence reforms and technological investments. With indigenous capabilities in surveillance, missile systems, air defence, drones, and net-centric warfare, India has redefined its military posture.
Future-ready and globally competitive:
India’s strategy now blends military vision, state support, private-sector innovation, and cutting-edge research. It is prepared for the evolving nature of modern warfare — one where technology leads from the front.
Source: Official press release by Government of India
