In a recent press briefing regarding Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), used a compelling cricket analogy to illustrate India's robust and multi-layered air defense system against Pakistani offensives. The DGMO's comments came after a series of events, including India's precision strikes on terror camps within Pakistan following the Pahalgam attack.
Referencing Virat Kohli's retirement from Test cricket on Monday, a personal favorite of his, Lt. Gen Ghai drew a parallel to the famous Ashes series between Australia and England in the 1970s. He quoted the Australian saying, "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don't get ya, Lillee must," to emphasize the multiple layers of India's defense systems. This analogy implied that even if one layer of defense were breached, another would intercept the enemy attack.
Lt. Gen Ghai asserted that targeting Indian airfields and logistics was a formidable challenge, highlighting the effectiveness of India's air defense grid. He explained that India was prepared for a Pakistani retaliation to Operation Sindoor with a multi-layered counter-drone and air defense grid. This grid comprises counter-manned aerial systems, electronic warfare equipment, and integrated air defense weapons coordinated with the Indian Air Force. He lauded the Border Security Force's (BSF) role, whose counter-unmanned aircraft systems were also part of the multi-tiered air defense.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General Air Operations, elaborated on how Indian forces minimized damage to civilian and military infrastructure despite relentless efforts by Pakistani forces. He credited the layered air defense systems and the performance of indigenous systems like the Akash missile for this success. Air Marshal Bharti also presented satellite imagery showcasing the successful destruction of terror targets, affirming the precision of India's strikes. He stated that the objectives of Operation Sindoor were achieved, with visible results validating the decimation of terrorist camps.
The military also presented visuals of the Rahim Yar Khan airbase, revealing a massive crater caused by Indian missile strikes, along with images of the Nur Khan airbase, highlighting the Indian Air Force's precision. Furthermore, the debris of a suspected Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missile, reportedly used by Pakistan, and the wreckage of Turkish-origin YIHA and Songar drones shot down by India were displayed.
The DGMO highlighted a shift in terrorist tactics, noting an increase in attacks targeting civilians alongside military personnel, referencing the 2024 Reasi attack and the recent Pahalgam attack. Following Operation Sindoor, which struck terrorists without crossing the Line of Control (LoC), the Indian side was prepared for retaliation.
Lt. Gen Ghai stated that India had attempted to communicate the rationale behind the strikes on terror camps to Pakistan. However, this was dismissed, with Pakistan instead launching retaliatory attacks targeting Indian civilians and religious sites. Despite this, India maintained that its military bases remained fully operational and ready for any future missions.
Lt. Gen Ghai underscored the synergy between the three armed forces and the support from the government and the Indian populace in prosecuting Operation Sindoor. He also conveyed a strong message that any threat to India's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with decisive force.
In summary, DGMO Ghai's cricket metaphor effectively conveyed India's preparedness and robust defense mechanism in response to Pakistan's actions, emphasizing a layered approach to neutralize threats and protect the nation's interests.
