Operation Sindoor, India's recent military action, has underscored the increasing role of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare, with drones like the Harop and Heron playing a crucial role. The operation, launched in response to a terror attack, showcased India's growing capabilities in AI-driven defense technology and its strategic deployment of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) effectively used loitering munitions and long-range drones to carry out precise strikes on key targets, including airbases, while successfully evading and jamming Chinese-supplied air defense systems. The mission's completion in just 23 minutes highlighted India's operational and technological advancements.

AI played a significant role in both offensive and defensive operations. In offensive missions, AI provided real-time data to pilots, enabling optimal missile strikes on terrorist infrastructure. Defensively, AI analyzed radar imagery to track incoming projectiles, calculate their trajectories, and guide air defense units to intercept and neutralize threats with minimal effort, saving time and ammunition. India's AI-powered air defense system, Akashteer, played a key role in shielding the country against attacks, shooting down numerous drones and missiles. Akashteer is equipped with AI, providing rapid responses to aerial threats without human intervention, and offers real-time imaging capabilities.

Several indigenous UAVs and suicide drones developed by Indian companies were central to the success of Operation Sindoor, demonstrating the scalability and strategic depth of India's UAV capabilities. These included loitering munitions, AI-powered intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms. Some of the drones deployed were Harop loitering munitions, Sky Striker drones for precision strikes, ALS-50 long-range loiterers, Nagastra kamikaze drones, and surveillance UAVs. Rustom drones kept a close watch on the country's border areas.

The use of AI in Operation Sindoor highlights India's proactive shift in military doctrine, ensuring preparedness across emerging and hybrid warfare domains. The Defence Ministry had initiated efforts to integrate AI into the military as early as 2018, with significant progress by 2022, including the completion of 40 AI-specific defense projects. The government is also supporting the drone industry through initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and has placed a ban on the import of drones. The country has allocated substantial funding for AI development, and is now doubling down on its defense capabilities with further investments.

Operation Sindoor has not only demonstrated India's military capabilities but has also positioned its drone technology on the global stage, attracting attention from potential buyers, investors, and governments. With the success of indigenous drones in live combat, Indian defense startups are gaining global recognition, and investors are showing increased interest in the scalability and effectiveness of these technologies.