During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army's air defense systems successfully downed over 600 Pakistani drones. This operation was launched in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, where 26 innocent tourists were killed. The operation involved precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).

Following India's strikes, Pakistan retaliated with a swarm of drones aimed at military installations. However, India's air defense systems effectively thwarted these attempts. Over 600 Pakistani drones were shot down through coordinated efforts between the Indian Air Defence and the Army. To counter the aerial threats, over 1,000 gun systems and approximately 750 short- and medium-range missiles were deployed.

India's air defense system is a multi-layered network designed to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and aircraft. The system integrates various missile systems and radar technologies to provide comprehensive coverage across different ranges. Key components of this network include:

• Akashteer: An indigenous, fully automated air defense control and reporting system that provides a real-time air picture to all involved parties, enabling coordinated air defense operations. It integrates various radar systems, sensors, and communication technologies into a single operational framework.
• Akash: An indigenously developed surface-to-air missile system with a range of 25-40 km, used by both the Indian Air Force and Army for defense against aerial threats. During the escalation, the Akash system successfully intercepted multiple threats.
• S-400: A Russian-origin system with a range of 380 km, capable of detecting and destroying hostile strategic bombers, jets, spy planes, missiles, and drones.
• L-70 guns, Zu-23mm guns, and Schilka systems: These systems, along with specialized counter-drone technology, were also used by the Indian Army.
• Battle-proven AD systems: Older systems like the Pechora, OSA-AK, and LLAD guns (Low-Level Air Defence guns) also played a role in countering the Pakistani threat.

The operation showcased the integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defense. The Akashteer Air Defence System played a key role in intercepting drones and missiles. The Indian forces, including Rafale jets equipped with SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs, executed strikes with precision, exposing gaps in Pakistan's air defense network. Not a single Indian asset was lost during the operation.

India's success in Operation Sindoor also highlighted the country's growing self-reliance in defense technology. The operation demonstrated the effectiveness of indigenous systems like Akash and Akashteer, and the ability to integrate them with legacy weapons.

In the wake of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan reportedly sought a ceasefire. India has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy on terrorism and warned that any further provocation will be met with decisive military action.