In a bold display of technological and operational excellence, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed Operation Sindoor with remarkable precision, bypassing and jamming Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems within a mere 23 minutes. According to official documents, the mission, conducted on the morning of 8 May 2025, targeted critical Pakistani air defence radars and military installations, including a key facility near Lahore. All Indian assets returned safely, underscoring the mission’s flawless execution.
### Operation Sindoor: A Calibrated Response
Launched as a calibrated military response to escalating asymmetric warfare and cross-border terror attacks, Operation Sindoor marked a significant milestone in India’s defence capabilities. The operation was triggered by Pakistan’s coordinated drone and missile strikes on multiple Indian cities, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and Bhuj, on the night of 7–8 May. India’s Integrated Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Grid and layered air defence systems successfully intercepted these threats, employing radars, missile batteries, and electronic countermeasures.
In retaliation, the IAF struck Pakistan’s air defence infrastructure with surgical precision, neutralising several Chinese-built HQ-9 and HQ-16 surface-to-air missiles. The Indian forces utilised a combination of indigenous technologies such as the Akash missile system, Barak-8, and the Russian-made S-400 (Sudarshan Chakra), alongside electronic warfare tactics to jam and bypass enemy radars. “India’s offensive strikes targeted key Pakistani airbases—Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan with surgical precision. Loitering munitions were used to devastating effect,” the official statement read.
### Technological Edge and Strategic Significance
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s growing self-reliance in defence technology, particularly in electronic warfare and drone combat. The IAF’s Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) played a pivotal role in coordinating the strikes, while loitering munitions and drone warfare were effectively deployed to dismantle Pakistan’s air defence network. “As part of Operation Sindoor, the following systems were utilised: battle-proven air defence systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK, and LLAD guns. Indigenous systems such as the Akash demonstrated exceptional performance,” the release stated.
The operation also exposed Pakistan’s reliance on foreign weaponry, with debris of Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles and Turkish Bayraktar-style drones recovered from the conflict zones. “These were recovered and identified, showing that despite Pakistan’s attempts to exploit advanced foreign-supplied weaponry, India’s indigenous air defence and electronic warfare networks remained superior,” the release read.
### ISRO’s Contribution to Operation Sindoor
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan highlighted the critical role of satellite technology in ensuring national security. At an event on May 11, he mentioned that at least 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for strategic purposes. “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,” Narayanan said.
### India’s Defence Manufacturing Hub
India has emerged as a major defence manufacturing hub, driven by the “Make in India” initiative and 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. This growth underscores India’s capability to develop and deploy advanced defence technologies, reinforcing its position as a key player in global defence innovation.
Operation Sindoor not only demonstrated India’s technological prowess but also highlighted the strategic significance of its defence capabilities. By leveraging indigenous technologies and advanced electronic warfare tactics, India has set a new benchmark in modern military operations, ensuring its readiness to counter emerging threats effectively.