Indian Tech in Operation Sindoor

Indian Tech in Operation Sindoor

(Source: Page 15, The Indian Express)

Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology; Internal Security; Defence

Context

Operation Sindoor was not just a military success but also a comprehensive showcase of India’s indigenous defence technologies. It brought to light years of coordinated investment and innovation by DRDO, ISRO, BEL, and private players, with a special focus on missile systems, electronic warfare, AI-based navigation, and unmanned systems.

Background:

• Trigger: On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians, predominantly Hindu tourists.

• Operation Launch: India initiated Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, conducting precision airstrikes on nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, including Bahawalpur, Muridke, and Muzaffarabad, targeting terrorist organizations like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.

• Execution: The 23-minute operation utilized indigenous weaponry, including Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, demonstrating India’s commitment to strategic restraint by conducting strikes without crossing the Line of Control or international border.

• Outcome: The operation underscored India’s enhanced defense capabilities and its resolve to counter terrorism emanating from across the border, aligning with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by showcasing indigenous defense technology.

Significance of Operation Sindoor

• Demonstrated synergy of defence technology and strategic planning.

• Acted as a live trial ground for several advanced and indigenous weapons systems.

• Validated India’s capability to conduct integrated, multi-platform military operations using home-grown systems.

Guidance and Navigation Systems

• Central to the operation was the effective use of home-grown radars and sensors, including:

  • Troop Control Centre

  • Flight Control Centre

  • Rajendra Radar for surveillance

  • Rohini Radar for tracking and command

• These systems enabled precision targeting and efficient battlefield coordination.

• Technologies like Ring Laser Gyroscopes, GPS-aided guidance, and thermal imaging were used extensively.

Lethality and Destructive Power

• Akash Missile System, developed by DRDO, was a core component, known for its ability to engage aerial threats at medium range.

• Displayed during the operation were:

  • Akash Prime, Akash-NG, and SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation).

  • BEWAS system (BEL Electronic Warfare Suite) helped identify and jam enemy signals.

• Use of tactical missiles, drones, and air-launched precision munitions enhanced strike accuracy.

Lethality and Destructive Power

• Akash Missile System, developed by DRDO, was a core component, known for its ability to engage aerial threats at medium range.

• Displayed during the operation were:

  • Akash Prime, Akash-NG, and SAMAR (Surface-to-Air Missile for Assured Retaliation).

  • BEWAS system (BEL Electronic Warfare Suite) helped identify and jam enemy signals.

• Use of tactical missiles, drones, and air-launched precision munitions enhanced strike accuracy.

Role of Indigenous R&D

• Most of the displayed and deployed systems were developed indigenously:

  • DRDO, ISRO, Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and private firms like Tata Advanced Systems and L&T played vital roles.

• Demonstrates India’s increasing self-reliance in critical defence domains.

Radars and Air Defence Systems

• The Rajendra and Rohini radars played a key role in identifying targets and synchronizing responses.

• Compared to Russia’s S-400 or Israel’s Iron Dome, India’s air defence systems are evolving with local customisation for sub-continental needs.

Unmanned Vehicles and AI

• Indigenous drones like Tapas-BH, Rustom, and Nagastra-2 were showcased for ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance).

• AI-based analytics helped process real-time data for better decision-making.

• Emphasis on low-cost but high-efficiency systems, with indigenous alternatives to expensive foreign options.

Strategic Implications

• Enhances India’s deterrence capability, especially against asymmetric threats from neighbours.

• Reinforces Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in the defence sector.

• Increases India’s profile in the global arms export market.

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Practice Question:Operation Sindoor has been hailed as not only a military achievement but a technological showcase of India’s indigenous defence capability. Critically analyze the significance of such operations in enhancing India’s strategic autonomy and defence preparedness. (GS3, 250 words)