Context & Operational Lessons
- Operation Sindoor demonstrated the combat value of long-range stand-off weapons in neutralising strategic targets without exposing aircraft to hostile air defences.
- The IAF successfully bypassed Chinese HQ-9 air defence systems (range ~200 km) by engaging from 250–450 km distances.
Relevance : GS 3(Internal Security , Defence)
Weapons Used During the Operation
- BrahMos: Supersonic cruise missile; range ~290–450 km (newer versions exceed 450 km).
- SCALP: Air-launched cruise missile; range ~500 km.
- Rampage: Stand-off air-to-ground missile; range ~250 km.
- Crystal Maze: Precision-guided stand-off weapon; range ~100–250 km.
Shift in Capability Development
- Priority: Induct air-to-ground and air-to-air missiles with strike ranges >200 km.
- Goal: Engage from beyond the envelope of adversary air defences, improving aircraft survivability.
Indigenous Development Push
- Astra Missile: IAF requesting DRDO to accelerate longer-range variants:
- Astra Mk-1: ~110 km
- Astra Mk-2: ~160–200 km
- Astra Mk-3 (planned): ~350 km
- Project Kusha: Indigenous long-range air defence missile system (similar class to S-400), DRDO-led.
Foreign Acquisitions
- R-37 (Russia): Air-to-air missile; range >200 km, Mach 6; designed for high-value airborne target destruction (AWACS, tankers).
- S-400 Triumf: Additional 2 squadrons planned; current systems already altering PAF flight patterns.
Tactical & Strategic Impact
- Strategic Deterrence: Deployment of S-400 has pushed Pakistani Air Force to either:
- Fly deep inside its territory, or
- Operate at low altitudes (limiting operational flexibility).
- Combat Record: IAF downed a surveillance aircraft >300 km away — record engagement range for the service.
Broader Implications
- Doctrine Shift: From close-in engagements to stand-off warfare in both offensive and defensive roles.
- Geopolitical Signalling: Capability to strike deep inside adversary territory without crossing borders.
- Self-Reliance Goal: Balancing indigenous missile programmes (Astra, Project Kusha) with critical foreign buys (R-37, S-400).
