In a daring pre-dawn operation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed one of its most precise and coordinated counter-terror strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) and deep into Pakistan’s Punjab and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Codenamed Operation Sindoor, the 20-minute strike (from 1:05 AM to 1:25 AM) saw nine high-value terror camps reduced to rubble — without civilian casualties.
At the heart of this meticulously planned assault was French-origin weaponry, which has dramatically enhanced India’s stand-off strike capabilities. While officials did not name specific platforms used, multiple defence sources confirmed that SCALP cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided bombs, both compatible with India’s Rafale fighter jets, played a decisive role in the mission’s success.
French Precision, Indian Resolve
The Rafale, acquired from France under an emergency procurement agreement, is no ordinary aircraft. The Rafale is purpose-built for missions like Sindoor, equipped with advanced radar-evading technology and capable of delivering precision strikes from deep within enemy territory. Armed with SCALP missiles, which can fly nearly 250 kilometres with pinpoint accuracy, and HAMMER bombs that adapt to various terrain and weather conditions, the Rafales delivered a lethal payload with strategic finesse.
Each strike jet was reportedly escorted by Su-30 MKIs and MiG-29s, with electronic warfare and drone support to jam or blind Pakistani air defences. The Indian Navy’s P-8I Poseidon aircraft—known for its long-range ISR capabilities—provided ground mapping and real-time surveillance, allowing the IAF to maintain total control over the battlefield.
About the Weapons That Made the Strike Count
- SCALP (Storm Shadow): A stealth long-range air-launched cruise missile designed for high-value fixed targets. Weighing over 1,300 kg with a 450 kg warhead, it uses terrain-following navigation and GPS to strike with surgical precision — ideal for hardened terror hideouts and command centres.
- HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range): A family of smart bombs ranging from 125 to 1,000 kg, capable of operating under GPS-denied conditions. Modular guidance kits and extended range give India flexibility to hit deep or dispersed targets, even in mountainous or fortified zones.
India is also integrating HAMMER onto its indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, a move that enhances strike capability across platforms.
Indian Air Superiority and Tactical Intelligence
During the mission, IAF Su-30s successfully evaded multiple engagements from Pakistani forces, including PL-15 beyond visual range (BVR) missiles and HQ-9BE surface-to-air missile systems. In a significant breakthrough, remnants of a failed PL-15 missile—including its classified seeker assembly—were recovered. DRDO is now analysing these, which could benefit allied defence partners, including the United States.
At a press briefing following the operation, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, joined by Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, reaffirmed that the mission had been “measured, precise, and non-escalatory.” Wing Commander Singh highlighted the technical planning behind the strikes:
“This mission relied on advanced targeting and carefully selected munitions to ensure zero collateral damage. Each target was confirmed via multi-source intelligence.”
Strategic Impact
Operation Sindoor reflects a new phase in India’s counter-terror doctrine — fusing international-grade weaponry, inter-service coordination, and technological superiority. French systems have clearly augmented India’s capacity to act swiftly and decisively when national security is challenged.
This operation wasn’t just about retribution — it was a clear signal: India would hit back, surgically and unflinchingly, with world-class precision.
Ravi Shankar
Dr Ravi Shankar has over two decades of experience in communications, print journalism, electronic media, documentary film making and new media.
He makes regular appearances on national television news channels as a commentator and analyst on current and political affairs. Apart from being an acknowledged Journalist, he has been a passionate newsroom manager bringing a wide range of journalistic experience from past associations with India’s leading media conglomerates (Times of India group and India Today group) and had led global news-gathering operations at world’s biggest multimedia news agency- ANI-Reuters. He has covered Parliament extensively over the past several years. Widely traveled, he has covered several summits as part of media delegation accompanying the Indian President, Vice President, Prime Minister, External Affairs Minister and Finance Minister across Asia, Africa and Europe.
