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India’s robust and deeply integrated air defence network emerged as a linchpin of operational success during Operation Sindoor. DGMOs from the tri-services confirmed during a joint press briefing today. The Armed Forces revealed that the country’s multi-tiered air defence systems not only thwarted a wide range of aerial threats but also decisively neutralized incoming missiles and drones, including high-grade platforms of Chinese and Turkish origin.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General Air Operations (DGAO), underscored the precision, preparedness, and indigenous capability that enabled the Indian Armed Forces to maintain air dominance despite persistent provocations. “Our fight remains against terrorism and terror infrastructure,” he said. “However, when Pakistan chose to side with these elements, we were compelled to respond appropriately.”
Air Defence Triumphs: From Drones to Missiles
One of the most striking revelations was the interception of a Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missile, reportedly launched by Pakistan during the early phase of hostilities. Displaying visuals of its mangled remains, Air Marshal Bharti said, “The missile carried the word ‘Target’. It was, however, tracked, engaged, and destroyed by our air defence systems before it could reach Indian airspace.”
He also detailed how much-hyped Turkish-origin JIHA systems, loitering munitions, and quadcopters, including the Songar armed drone, were shot down by a mix of hard-kill and soft-kill counter-unmanned aerial systems. “Each threat was detected, classified, and neutralized in time,” he said, citing the efficient use of indigenous systems like Akash and legacy platforms such as the Pechora, Osa-AK, and LLAD guns.
“Our defence grid is layered – from point-defence weapons like MANPADs and LLADs to longer-range interceptors and air defence fighters. Together, they ensured minimal losses and maximum deterrence,” he added.
Pakistan’s Attempted Incursions Foiled
Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), described how India’s layered counter-drone network effectively thwarted multiple Pakistani attempts to penetrate Indian airspace. Drawing a cricketing analogy, he remarked, “There was no chance for Pakistan to cross our multi-layer defence — they were caught at the boundary.”
The Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS), integration of counter-UAS tools, electronic warfare systems, and air defence weapons ensured near-seamless coverage. “From logistics hubs to forward airbases, no critical asset was left unprotected,” Lt. Gen. Ghai emphasized.
Maritime Airspace Secured, Enemy Bottled Up
At sea, the Indian Navy’s surveillance and air defence umbrella kept enemy assets at bay. Vice Admiral AN Pramod, Director General Naval Operations (DGNO), noted that no hostile platform could close within 100 km of India’s carrier battle group. “We maintained a continuous aerial surveillance bubble using multi-sensor fusion and advanced radar tracking. Any platform attempting a breach was swiftly identified and neutralized.”
Vice Admiral Pramod reiterated that the Navy’s integrated air defence ensures control over the maritime battlespace. “Our dominance means we can strike at will, if required,” he stated.
S-400, Akash, SPYDER Form the Backbone
The operation marked one of the first combat validations of India’s full-spectrum air defence network — anchored by the Russian-origin S-400, indigenous Akash missile system, and Israeli SPYDER quick-reaction launchers. This combination created a formidable shield across land, air, and sea domains, proving decisive in both defensive and offensive missions.
“Our offensive operations were precise,” Air Marshal Bharti said while showing satellite images of craters at Nur Khan and Rahimyar Khan air bases. “You can see the accuracy for yourself.”
As Operation Sindoor progresses, the Indian Armed Forces’ confidence in its air defence ecosystem — built on a blend of indigenous innovation and proven legacy systems — stands reaffirmed. Today’s tri-services briefing offered not just a glimpse into India’s evolving military strategy but also a potent message: Any aerial threat to Indian sovereignty will be met with layered, lethal 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.
