As India launched a swift and decisive military response to Pakistani provocations in the form of Operation Sindoor, the spotlight turned to an unsung hero of modern warfare — India’s rapidly evolved and deeply integrated air defence ecosystem.
In a matter of minutes, India activated a formidable multi-layered shield that neutralised waves of enemy aerial threats — a robust demonstration of preparedness that has been a decade in the making. The seamless integration of cutting-edge systems such as the S-400 Triumf, Barak-8 MRSAM, Akash missiles, and DRDO’s anti-drone technologies exposed the glaring vulnerabilities of Pakistan’s ageing air defence network.
Layered Defence in Action
India’s response was not limited to interception. It was a textbook demonstration of deterrence through resilience and precision. The IAF, supported by Army air defence units, activated the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid within minutes. Over 500 hostile drones and multiple missile strikes were intercepted, ensuring zero damage to critical infrastructure.
The success of this coordinated response lies in India’s layered defence structure:
- Barak-8 (MRSAM): Guarding key installations with a 70 km range.
- Akash SAMs: Defending against mid-range threats.
- Spyder, Pechora, and OSA-AK: Providing close-in protection.
- Man-portable and legacy systems: Filling the gaps in a very short range.
- S-400 Triumf: With a range of 400 km, it formed the outer ring.
Together, they created an aerial fortress that was not only effective but also future-ready.
The Indigenous Backbone: Akash Missile
Among the systems deployed, DRDO’s Akash missile system emerged as the backbone of the country’s defensive grid. Extensively deployed along the Line of Control and western borders, Akash intercepted both UAVs and low-flying projectiles with remarkable accuracy. Defence officials described its performance as “precise, rapid, and highly effective.”
With an operational range of 25 km, speeds of up to Mach 3.5, and a high-explosive warhead, Akash is capable of engaging multiple aerial targets. The mobile and versatile system is equipped with the Rajendra phased-array radar, launchers, and integrated C4I nodes — all developed indigenously.
Its battlefield success is not going unnoticed globally. Armenia has inducted the system, and countries like Brazil, Vietnam, Egypt, and the UAE are showing strong interest. Brazil is also in talks for a co-development partnership, with BEL preparing to set up its first overseas office in the country.
Precision Retaliation: Loitering Munitions & Drone Warfare
India’s counter-offensive in Operation Sindoor went beyond traditional air strikes. In a significant technological leap, the IAF employed indigenous loitering munitions, including Solar Industries’ Nagastra drones, to carry out precision strikes on Pakistani air defence nodes in Lahore and Rawalpindi. These suicidal drones executed coordinated, real-time attacks, taking enemy positions by surprise.
Additionally, Harop drones — Israeli-origin but now locally assembled in India — were deployed for targeted suppression of Pakistani radar systems in Karachi and Lahore. Complementing this was using Rafale jets armed with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, enabling deep-strike capability with pinpoint accuracy.
It was not just a demonstration of power — it was a showcase of India’s maturing capability in drone warfare, electronic warfare, and real-time ISR (Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance).
The Evolution of Air Defence Post-2014
India’s response to Operation Sindoor is the culmination of a focused strategic upgrade that began in 2014. Noteworthy milestones include:
- The Rs 35,000 crore deal for five S-400 Triumf squadrons was signed in 2018, with three already operational.
- The $2.5 billion Barak-8 MRSAM program with Israel is actively deployed across frontline bases.
- Akash battery deployment and Man-Portable Counter Drone Systems (MPCDS) induction in 2024.
- Mass production of anti-drone tech and integration of loitering munitions from Indian defence startups.
India has also enhanced its use of electronic warfare systems, employing jammers and electromagnetic pulse (EMP) technologies to disable and neutralise hostile UAV command-and-control networks — a critical move that helped blunt Pakistan’s swarm drone offensive.
The Road Ahead: Akash NG and Strategic Export Push
Looking to the future, India is investing in the Akash Next Generation (Akash-NG) system. With an extended range of 70 km, canisterised launchers, and an active radar seeker, Akash NG is designed to engage stealth fighters, cruise missiles, and high-speed aerial targets in complex environments. It is expected to enter service by 2026, adding a powerful new dimension to India’s air defence capability.
Under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative, Akash’s battlefield performance is not just a national asset — it’s an international opportunity. With strategic partnerships on the horizon, India is poised to become a net exporter of high-performance air defence solutions.
Operation Sindoor has done more than just retaliate against enemy provocation — it has validated years of investment, innovation, and integration in India’s air defence ecosystem. From the deserts of Rajasthan to the skies over Lahore, India’s aerial shield has proven it can not only defend but also dominate. With indigenous technologies at the forefront and global interest rising, India’s air defence story is no longer one of catch-up — it’s one of leadership.
Huma Siddiqui with Ravi Shankar
