DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat has revealed that the BrahMos missile and Akashteer air defense system were vital in the success of Operation Sindoor, the retaliatory strike launched after the Pahalgam terror attack. The operation, which took place on May 7th, 2025, was in response to the April 22nd attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam that resulted in the death of 26 people.

The BrahMos missile, deployed from Sukhoi Mk 1 aircraft, was the primary offensive weapon. The missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, is the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile, reaching speeds of Mach 2.8–3.0. It can carry a warhead of 200–300 kg and can be launched from land, air, sea, and sub-sea platforms. Its features include a fire-and-forget system, stealth capabilities, and multiple flight trajectories for tactical flexibility. During Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos missiles, with a range of 300 to 600 km, were used to destroy key targets, including Pakistani runways, bunkers, and hangars. The missile's pinpoint accuracy, with sources claiming performance closer to a one-meter accuracy during the operation, and supersonic speed made it nearly impossible to intercept.

While the BrahMos missiles targeted enemy infrastructure, the Akashteer system played a crucial role in neutralizing incoming aerial threats. This fully indigenous, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System integrated Army and Air Force radars to identify and eliminate threats with 100% accuracy. The Akashteer system is an AI-based system that networks all sensors and weapons, enabling quick decision-making on which weapon would be most appropriate to use based on the threats. It can detect, track, and engage enemy aircraft, drones, and missiles. During Operation Sindoor, Akashteer was instrumental in intercepting and neutralizing every inbound projectile, including Turkish-origin kamikaze drones and tiny drones. The system doesn't rely on brute force but uses real-time data to control radars, weapons, and command rooms, automating the detection, tracking, and attacking of drones, missiles, or enemy aircraft.

DRDO chief Samir Kamat emphasized that Operation Sindoor was a declaration of India's self-reliance, strategic foresight, and indigenous technological strength. He highlighted that indigenous platforms, from sensors and unmanned platforms to secure communications, AI-based decision support systems, and precision weapons, played a key role in the operation. Besides BrahMos and Akashteer, other systems deployed included Akash surface-to-air missiles, medium-range surface-to-air missiles, the D4 anti-drone system, and the AWNC airborne early warning and control system.

The success of Operation Sindoor has led to increased interest in India's defense technology. The Indian Navy and Air Force are planning to procure a large number of BrahMos missiles. Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has also expressed interest in acquiring additional BrahMos missiles, inspired by their use during the operation. Countries like Indonesia, Vietnam, and Malaysia have also shown interest in acquiring the BrahMos system.