Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 6, 2025, marked a crucial moment in the nation’s counter-terrorism and strategic military doctrine. This operation was carefully orchestrated and was a high-precision military campaign targeting terrorist infrastructure and launch pads located deep within Pakistan-administered Kashmir (POK) and parts of mainland Pakistan.
The main reason for the success of Operation Sindoor was the advanced technology used by the Indian Armed Forces. From precision-guided weapons like SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs to the deployment of SkyStriker loitering munitions. In response to Pakistan’s retaliatory attack India had used the powerful S-400 air defence system, called Sudarshan Chakra.
All this indicates that technology is playing a crucial role at every stage of ongoing operations. These modern systems allow India to strike targets with high accuracy, avoid civilian casualties, and protect its own assets from retaliation. The seamless coordination between these technologies and real-time intelligence made the operation swift, effective, and largely risk-free for Indian forces. Please find below the details about what could be viewed as a Technological Backbone of Operation Sindoor.
Rafale Weapon Systems: SCALP, HAMMER, and METEOR
The Indian Air Force (IAF) utilized its Rafale fighter jets as key strike platforms, armed with state-of-the-art weaponry. SCALP (Storm Shadow) is a stealthy, air-launched cruise missile manufactured by MBDA, designed for deep strikes up to 450 km. It uses satellite based navigational systems and terrain referencing systems for high precision and can penetrate hardened targets like bunkers and ammunition depots. AASM HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range) bombs, have a range of 70 km and they offer pinpoint accuracy and can be launched from low altitudes. In addition, there is another weapon option called METEOR. This is a beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM) designed to perform in dense electronic warfare conditions.
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missiles
The BrahMos missiles are developed jointly by India and Russia. It is one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world and travels three times more than the speed of sound. It can carry a warhead of 200–300 kg for land and sea targets.
SkyStriker and Loitering Munitions
India has increasingly relied on loitering munitions, also known as “suicide drones,” for surveillance and high-precision attacks. The SkyStriker, developed in collaboration with Israel, can autonomously locate, track, and destroy targets in real time. These systems are ideal for neutralizing threats hidden in complex terrain or urban environments.
BEL Battlefield Surveillance Radar (BFSR)
To enhance situational awareness along sensitive borders, especially the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian Army has the BEL-developed Battlefield Surveillance Radar. This portable system can detect and track troop and vehicle movements across varied terrain and in adverse weather, enabling timely threat assessment and response.
Drones
They support surveillance, target identification, and precise offensive actions, and are becoming increasingly central to India’s modern military doctrine.
Such weapon systems have been responsible for India’s military success in Operation Sindoor. In conduct of this operation Indian forces were mainly dependent on precision-guided weaponry and surveillance systems. India’s offensive operations were supported by these systems and they helped India to effectively strike terrorist launch pads deep inside hostile territory without ground invasion.
It was anticipated that Pakistan would respond to India’s offensive action, and the Indian forces were well-prepared for this eventuality. India possesses state-of-the-art defensive weapon systems, including the S-400, Akash missiles, fortified bunkers, electronic jamming devices, and advanced surveillance radars. On the night of 8 May, when Pakistan launched attacks targeting Indian military bases, these defensive systems played a crucial role in neutralizing the threat and ensuring that Pakistan’s offensive strategy failed.
With foresight India had acquired the S-400 air defence system from Russia and some months India had operationalized three of the five S-400 squadrons. These are strategically positioned to safeguard critical regions. This system has been purchased under a US$5.43 billion agreement with Russia in 2018. There was some delay in acquiring this system owing to the preoccupation of Russia in a war with Ukraine. S-400 offers long-range, multi-layered protection against a wide range of aerial threats. The full induction of all five squadrons is expected to be completed by 2026.
Presently all operational S-400 squadrons are fully integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This capability in real-time monitoring, seamless coordination, and rapid threat response across multiple theatres has allowed India armed forces to ensure that no military bases in western and northern sectors get affected. This Sudarshan Chakra has proved its operational effectiveness by intercepting over 90% of hostile airborne threats, including UAVs and missile platforms aimed at some Indian cities and military installations.
The Akash missile system is also known to have played an important role in ongoing operations. This is an indigenously developed (by DRDO), medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) designed. It has been in the service of the Indian Air Force for one decade and has helped to strengthen India’s layered air defence network. With a range of 25–30 km and the ability to engage targets at altitudes between 30 meters and 18 km, it effectively counters threats like fighter jets, cruise missiles, drones (UAVs), and air-to-surface missiles.
In conclusion, India’s focus on high-precision, long-range, and technologically advanced autonomous systems reflects a significant shift in its military strategy toward modern, network-centric warfare. The effective integration of these cutting-edge offensive and defensive technologies has enhanced operational readiness. It is expected that India’s other advisory would also take a note about the technological superiority demonstrated by India forces during Operation Sindoor.
