Operation Sindoor, India's recent military action, serves as a powerful testament to the strides made by the nation's drone and defense manufacturing sectors. The operation, a response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, not only showcased India's military might but also highlighted the effectiveness and reliability of domestically produced defense equipment.

Indigenous Weaponry in Action

Operation Sindoor provided a real-world testing ground for India's indigenous weapons and defense systems. Among the key "Made in India" weapons deployed were:

• Akash Missile System: This indigenously developed surface-to-air missile defense system proved instrumental in countering Pakistani drone attacks along the western border and Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. It can engage multiple threats simultaneously and can engage up to 64 targets in tracking mode and simultaneously engaging up to 12 targets in active mode.
• D4 Anti-Drone System: Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and manufactured by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), this system is designed to detect, deter, and destroy drones. It can perform real-time search, detection, tracking, and neutralization of micro and small UAVs, and it employs GPS spoofing and radio frequency jamming techniques.
• Nagastra-1: This loitering munition, also known as a "suicide drone," boasts a kamikaze mode with GPS-enabled targeting for precise strikes.
• Sky Striker: Another loitering munition manufactured in India through a joint venture between Alpha Design (owned by Adani Group) and Israel's Elbit Security Systems.

These indigenous systems, along with equipment from Russia, France, and Israel, were used to target military bases, radar sites, ammunition dumps, and command centers within Pakistan. The success of these weapons in a near-war scenario has the potential to boost India's defense exports, particularly among smaller countries.

Growth of the Drone Sector

The Indian drone market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand across various sectors, including defense, agriculture, and e-commerce. Supportive government policies and initiatives like the Drone Shakti scheme have further expanded the industry. The market is projected to grow from $654 million in 2024 to $1.437 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate of 17%. The number of drones in India is expected to increase from 10,803 in 2024 to over 61,000 by 2029.

Several factors are contributing to this growth:

• Government Support: The government has implemented policies to promote local drone manufacturing, including restricting imports of foreign drones and designating 90% of Indian airspace as "green zones" for drone operations. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme provides financial incentives to drone manufacturers.
• Technological Advancements: Advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are making drone operations smarter and more efficient.
• Increasing Applications: Drones are being used in various sectors, including agriculture for crop assessment, urban planning for smart city initiatives, healthcare for medical supply delivery, and defense for border patrol, reconnaissance, and threat elimination.

Defense Manufacturing Prowess

India's defense manufacturing sector is rapidly emerging as a cornerstone of the country's strategic and economic ambitions. The government has prioritized this sector, reflecting its significance in national security and economic growth. Defense exports reached a record high of INR 21,083 Cr in FY 2023-24, compared to INR 686 Cr in FY 2013-14. The nation has set an ambitious target of ₹50,000 crore in defence exports by 2029.

The "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-Reliant India) initiative encourages domestic companies to develop cutting-edge defense products and reduce dependency on imports. Policies like the Defense Acquisition Procedure 2020 and the increase in FDI limit to 74% under the automatic route are designed to enhance private sector participation and drive technological advancements.

Operation Sindoor as a Catalyst

Operation Sindoor has not only validated the growth of India's drone and defense manufacturing sectors but has also acted as a catalyst for further expansion. The successful deployment of indigenous weapons and systems has demonstrated the country's capabilities and has the potential to attract more investment and boost exports.

With a focus on self-reliance, technological innovation, and supportive government policies, India is well-positioned to become a global hub for defense manufacturing and a leader in drone technology. Operation Sindoor serves as a symbol of this growing strength and a testament to the country's commitment to national security and economic prosperity.