In a daring strategic move during Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully deceived Pakistan's air defense systems using dummy fighter jets. This ingenious tactic played a crucial role in paving the way for precision strikes on key Pakistani air bases, significantly degrading their defense capabilities.
Following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor as a coordinated military retaliation, targeting nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Beyond the firepower displayed, the operation was marked by a well-planned deception that caught the Pakistan military off guard.
The IAF initiated the operation by deploying unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) camouflaged to mimic the radar and infrared signatures of fighter jets. These "dummy" aircraft were engineered to appear as credible threats on enemy detection systems. This prompted the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to activate its air defense systems, including the Chinese-supplied HQ-9 missile systems, and scramble its fighters to intercept the perceived threat. In doing so, Pakistan exposed the locations of its radar installations, surface-to-air missile (SAM) batteries, and command-and-control centers.
With the locations of Pakistan's air defense assets revealed, the IAF launched a wave of attacks using Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions, also known as "suicide drones". These drones homed in on the radar emissions, destroying key installations and crippling the PAF's ability to detect incoming threats. This created a window for the IAF to execute precision strikes unhindered.
Following the neutralization of Pakistan's air defense grid, the IAF followed up with long-range precision strikes on Pakistani air bases. Approximately 15 BrahMos missiles, along with Scalp, Crystal Maze, and Rampage munitions, were launched from fighter aircraft operating under the Western and Southwestern Air Commands. These strikes targeted critical infrastructure, including airstrips, hangars, and communication infrastructure, effectively paralyzing Pakistan's air defense and strike capabilities. The strikes were so intense that Pakistan dropped all plans for retaliation and requested DGMO talks to arrive at an understanding with India to halt all military action.
The success of Operation Sindoor can be attributed, in part, to the innovative use of decoy UAVs. While the exact models of the pilotless aircraft used remain classified, reports suggest a combination of advanced target drones, likely including the indigenous Lakshya and the Banshee Jet 40+. The Lakshya's ability to mimic larger aircraft and its proven reliability in IAF exercises made it a likely candidate. The Banshee Jet 40+, a UK-designed target drone, is known for its versatility in simulating fast-moving aerial threats and can be fitted with radar and infrared enhancers to mimic the signatures of fighter jets or cruise missiles.
Operation Sindoor marked the first known operational use of the BrahMos missile system in active conflict. The missile's performance exceeded expectations, delivering high-precision strikes that crippled key Pakistani air assets and defense networks. The operation demonstrated India's advanced military capabilities and its willingness to respond decisively to acts of terrorism.
