Operation Sindoor: How India Thwarted Over 600 Pakistani Drones with Precision and Grit

In a remarkable demonstration of air defence prowess, the Indian Army and Air Force successfully neutralised more than 600 drones launched by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor, which took place on May 7 and continued for several days. The operation was initiated to counter a series of hostile drone incursions along the western borders, with the Indian defence forces showcasing a swift and highly coordinated response.

A Robust Multi-Layered Defence System

To counter the relentless drone waves, India mobilised over 1,000 air defence gun systems and around 750 short and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems. This rapid deployment marked a transformation from a peace posture to full operational readiness, resulting in a comprehensive multi-layered air defence network. The coordinated efforts not only safeguarded critical military and civilian infrastructure but also dispelled the notion of drone supremacy. A senior Army Air Defence (AAD) officer remarked that the operation was a testament to the synergy between Indian soldiers, indigenous technology, and rigorous training.

Pakistan's Strategy and Its Failure

The drone attack from Pakistan was aimed at overwhelming India’s integrated air defence grid, gathering real-time intelligence, and targeting strategic assets, population centres, and even places of worship. However, the strategy fell flat as India’s readiness, bolstered by consistent ammunition and missile reserves maintained over the last five years, ensured that the enemy's objective remained unattainable.

Indian forces strategically handled the air defence system deployment, choosing not to activate all radar systems at once. They refrained from using high-end AD systems like the Russian S-400 and Barak-8 MR-SAM against low-value drone targets, instead opting for legacy systems such as the L-70 anti-aircraft guns, ZU-23 mm twin-barrel guns, and upgraded Schilka. These older yet reliable systems, often underrated in the modern warfare landscape, proved to be highly effective against low-flying and hard-to-detect drones.

Indigenous Technology on the Frontline

India’s indigenous Akash Air Defence missile systems played a critical role during the operation, particularly against more significant threats such as armed UAVs and Turkish Byker Yiha III kamikaze drones. With an interception range of 25 km, Akash proved to be a formidable shield against aerial threats.

Additionally, the Indian Army employed six nodes of the new Akashteer air defence control and reporting systems, which seamlessly integrated with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS (Integrated Air Command and Control System). This digital backbone offered real-time situational awareness and precise command-and-control capabilities, empowering commanders to neutralise aerial threats efficiently.

A Turning Point in Air Defence Readiness

Operation Sindoor has been hailed as a significant milestone in India’s air defence readiness. The sheer scale of engagement, the rapid speed of deployment, and the unprecedented level of integration between sensors, weapons, and control systems demonstrated India's ability to tackle emerging aerial threats.

Through effective coordination and the robust integration of legacy and modern air defence assets, India has not only showcased its capability to defend its skies but also delivered a clear message about the preparedness of its armed forces. Operation Sindoor stands as a pivotal moment that highlights the effectiveness of indigenous solutions and the unwavering spirit of Indian defenders.