Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the Adampur air base, where he inspected an S-400 launcher, underscores a pivotal moment in India’s defence capabilities. Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory strike against Pakistan, has showcased India’s rapid advancements in warfare technology, marking a decisive shift from reliance on imported arms to indigenous innovation.
The operation demonstrated India’s ability to respond with precision and confidence using homegrown weapons. The extensive use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) played a crucial role in this success. These systems, including the TAPAS-BH-201 and Rustom II, penetrated deep into Pakistani territory, capturing high-quality images of targets and enabling precise strikes. The integration of foreign systems, such as the Israeli Heron MK-H, alongside indigenous technologies, highlighted India’s growing self-sufficiency in defence.
“Operation Sindoor has symbolized India’s gradual transition from a dependent arms importer to a producer of world-class equipment,” said Mahmood Hassan, a senior IAS officer with the Assam Government. The operation’s success was further bolstered by the use of quadcopters and micro-drones, which relayed live feeds and target acquisition data via the Army’s Integrated Battle Management System (IBMS). The Indian Air Force’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) provided seamless connectivity, enhancing the effectiveness of the Air Defence System.
The Akashteer (Sky Arrow) defence control and reporting mechanism, developed indigenously by Bharat Electronics Limited in collaboration with DRDO, played a pivotal role. This system integrates radars, sensors, and communication systems into a single vehicle-based framework, enabling the detection of enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. The Air Defence shield, featuring radar technology, control centres, defensive fighter aircraft, ground-based air defence missiles, artillery, and electronic warfare systems, has become an indispensable component of modern warfare.
Drones emerged as a critical tool in Operation Sindoor, with India claiming to have neutralized over 600 enemy drones. The use of powerful drones like Nagastra 1R, Kamikaze, and Switch demonstrated India’s growing capability in unmanned combat systems. The operation also saw the successful deployment of indigenously built Surface-to-Air Missiles (SAMs) like Pechora and OSA-AK, which destroyed enemy drones effectively.
India’s defence sector is undergoing a significant transformation, with a strong emphasis on indigenous manufacturing. The Defence Production & Export Promotion Policy, 2020, and initiatives like the Technology Development Fund (TDF) and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) are driving this change. The TDF scheme, executed by DRDO, supports indigenous development by MSMEs and startups, with an allocation of Rs 60 crore for 2025-26. Over 500 startups and MSMEs are working under iDEX, focusing on innovative defence projects.
The positive impact of these initiatives is evident in India’s defence exports, which reached an all-time high of Rs 23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, a 12.04% increase from the previous fiscal year. The private sector contributed significantly to this growth, with Rs 15,233 crore out of the total production. This figure is expected to reach Rs 50,000 crores by 2029.
Despite these advancements, India remains the largest importer of arms, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The reliance on foreign technology, particularly from Russia, Israel, and France, poses challenges. For instance, the purchase of Sikorsky helicopters from the USA in 1987 did not include technology transfer, leading to difficulties in servicing these aircraft. The Naval Aircraft Maintenance Centre in Cochin has developed a lab to create indigenous parts for old aircraft, a step that may be necessary for the recently purchased Rafale aircraft as well.
To further enhance its defence capabilities, India must increase its expenditure on research and development. The defence budget must be expanded to support the “Make in India” campaign and foster indigenous technological advancements. The DRDO and other organisations must take the lead in developing homegrown technologies to reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Operation Sindoor has proven the effectiveness of India’s technological prowess in adverse conditions. As the country continues to invest in its defence sector, it is poised to become a global leader in military innovation and self-sufficiency. The success of this operation serves as a testament to India’s growing capability to defend its sovereignty and deter aggression through advanced, indigenous technologies.