Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones):
The Indian Armed Forces utilized loitering munitions, also known as suicide or kamikaze drones, developed by a Bengaluru-based private company in collaboration with an Israel-based military technology firm. These drones were instrumental in striking terror camps with high precision, causing significant damage to targeted sites. Their ability to loiter and strike with accuracy was a critical component of the operation.
Precision Strike Weapon Systems:
The operation involved coordinated precision strike systems across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. These systems included advanced munitions designed for accuracy to minimize collateral damage. The coordinates for the strikes were provided by intelligence sources, ensuring targeted hits on terrorist infrastructure.
Scalp Cruise Missiles:
The Indian Air Force deployed Scalp cruise missiles, launched from Rafale fighter jets. These long-range, air-launched missiles are designed for high-precision strikes against hardened targets, making them suitable for hitting terrorist camps deep inside Pakistan.
HAMMER Precision-Guided Munitions:
HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) precision-guided munitions were also used, equipped on Rafale jets. These munitions are designed for rapid deployment and accuracy, enabling effective strikes on terrorist infrastructure while avoiding civilian and military facilities.
Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System:
The indigenously developed Akash missile system was employed to counter Pakistani retaliatory attacks, particularly drone and munitions strikes along the Line of Control (LoC) and International Border. Both the Indian Army and Air Force used this system to neutralize aerial threats, demonstrating its effectiveness in air defense.
Counter-Drone Systems:
In response to Pakistan’s attempted drone attacks on May 8-9, 2025, the Indian Army deployed advanced counter-drone technologies, including L-70 guns, Zu-23mm cannons, Schilka weapon systems, and other counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) equipment. Over 50 Pakistani drones and loitering munitions were neutralized in areas such as Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot, showcasing robust air defense capabilities.
High-Frequency Jamming Systems:
India reportedly used high-frequency jamming systems to disrupt Pakistan’s Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals, including GPS, GLONASS, and Beidou. These systems degraded Pakistan’s situational awareness, navigation, and precision-guided munitions, providing India a tactical advantage during the operation.
Context and Impact
Operation Sindoor targeted nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, including locations in Punjab province and cities like Muzaffarabad, Kotli, and Bhimber, in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, which killed 26 people. The operation was described as "focused, measured, and non-escalatory," avoiding Pakistani military facilities to limit escalation.
The use of these technologies highlights India’s emphasis on precision, indigenously developed systems, and advanced air defense capabilities. The operation’s success in neutralizing targets and countering Pakistan’s retaliatory drone attacks underscores the Indian Army’s technological advancements in modern warfare. However, conflicting reports and unverified claims from both sides, such as Pakistan’s assertion of shooting down Indian jets, indicate the need for cautious interpretation of the operation’s outcomes.
Note: Some details, particularly regarding the exact number of targets hit or losses incurred, remain unverified due to contradictory reports and ongoing tensions. Always approach such information critically, as disinformation is common in conflict zones.
