Operation Sindoor, India's counter-offensive following the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, that claimed the lives of 26 civilians, prominently showcased the growing strength and self-reliance of India's indigenous defense industry. This operation, which involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025, served as a powerful demonstration of India's resolve to combat cross-border terrorism and its increasing capabilities in developing and deploying homegrown military technology.
Several "Made in India" weapon systems played critical roles in the success of Operation Sindoor. These included the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the Akash air defense system, and the D4 anti-drone system. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself acknowledged the importance of these indigenous weapons, stating that they were instrumental in the "precise" and "calibrated" strikes across nine terror beds.
The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, a joint venture between India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Russia's NPO Mashinostroyeniya, is a prime example of India's growing defense capabilities. It can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land platforms, giving it exceptional versatility. While there are reports that BrahMos was used for the first time in live combat during Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistani airbases and military installations and causing significant damage, India has not officially confirmed its use.
The Akash missile system, a surface-to-air missile system, was extensively deployed along the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) during Operation Sindoor. It proved highly effective in intercepting Pakistani drones and missiles targeting Indian military installations. The Akash system is designed for mobile platforms, making it highly agile and capable of rapid deployment.
The D4 anti-drone system, an indigenously developed drone detection and neutralization system, played a crucial role in thwarting Pakistani drone attacks during the conflict. This system highlights India's focus on developing capabilities to counter emerging threats.
Beyond these specific weapon systems, Operation Sindoor also highlighted the importance of India's broader defense ecosystem. Indigenous radars, including the Rajendra radars, Rohini 3D medium-range surveillance radars, 3D low-level lightweight radars, and low-level transportable radars (LLTR), played a crucial role in tracking enemy airborne assets and directing India's air defense systems. India's indigenous navigation and guidance system, which depends on the NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) system of satellites, along with high-resolution earth observation satellites, provided vital information and imagery to the military.
Moreover, Operation Sindoor also served as a trial by fire for Agniveers, with at least 3,000 of these young soldiers manning critical weapons and systems integral to India's air defense shield. Two women colonels also stepped into live combat for the first time, leading air defense units and playing a key role in fending off Pakistani missile and drone strikes.
The success of Operation Sindoor has boosted confidence in India's domestic manufacturing capabilities. While India's defense exports are rising, the nation still relies on arms imports, particularly from Russia, France, Israel, and the US. However, the performance of indigenous weapon systems during Operation Sindoor has reinforced the importance of the "Make in India" initiative and the goal of achieving self-reliance in defense. As Prime Minister Modi stated, Operation Sindoor is not just a military mission but also "the face of a changing India."
