Operation Sindoor saw the debut of Bengaluru-made 'suicide drones' as part of India's response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam. The operation, executed by the Indian Air Force (IAF), targeted nine terror locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
The precision strikes involved the use of loitering munitions, also known as suicide drones, alongside SCALP and HAMMER missiles. These loitering munitions were developed in Bengaluru, marking a significant achievement in indigenous defense manufacturing. The SkyStriker suicide drones, specifically, are manufactured in Bengaluru through a joint venture between Alpha Design and Israel's Elbit Security.
Operation Sindoor was initiated following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of twenty-six people, mostly civilians. The attack was widely condemned, and India vowed to track down those responsible. In response, the Indian military launched Operation Sindoor to dismantle and destroy terror training camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. Government sources indicated that approximately 70 terrorists were killed and 60 others were injured in the operation.
The IAF deployed Rafale jets to execute the operation, utilizing SCALP missiles for deep strike missions and HAMMER missiles for medium-range precision targets. The use of HAMMER missiles provided the IAF with the ability to strike targets requiring adaptable missile guidance, complementing the SCALP missiles designed for long-range attacks on stationary targets.
The Indian Army released an official statement confirming the military strikes carried out under Operation Sindoor. The operation signifies a strategic choice by the Indian Air Force to target key infrastructure and terrorist strongholds with precision and at long range.
Following Operation Sindoor, drills were conducted in several locations, including Bengaluru and Delhi. In Bengaluru, a Category 2 'civil defence district', drills included air raid sirens and simulated rescue operations. These drills, which lasted for 30 minutes, included rescuing people from under debris.
