Performance of Indigenous Defence Systems
- Indigenous systems like the Akash short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system proved highly effective during Operation Sindoor.
- All Indian offensive strikes on Pakistan military targets were executed without loss of any Indian assets, highlighting excellent surveillance, planning, and weapon delivery.
- India’s long-range drones and guided munitions played a crucial role in making strikes precise and well-calibrated.
- Indian Air Force successfully jammed and bypassed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems (HQ-9 SAMs), showcasing technological superiority.
- The entire operation was completed in just 23 minutes, demonstrating operational efficiency and preparedness.
Relevance : GS 3(Defence)
Defence Sector Growth and Export Potential
- Defence exports surged from₹686 crore (2013-14) to ₹23,622 crore (2024-25), reflecting rapid growth driven by Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliance) initiatives.
- Countries in Southeast Asia, West Asia, and Africa have shown increasing interest in Indian systems like Akash and BrahMos, validating their global appeal.
- Operation Sindoor served as a live demonstration of indigenous systems’ real-time performance, likely boosting export inquiries.
Air Defence and Electronic Warfare Capabilities
- Indian air defence network showed resilience against hundreds of drones, UAVs, and high-speed missiles launched by Pakistan.
- Most hostile aerial targets were successfully intercepted or neutralized; only a few caused damage.
- Several key Pakistani air defence radar sites were struck, including disabling the HQ-15 SAM system in Lahore.
- Integration of Army and IAF air defence networks, supported by Akashteer system and Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS), proved robust.
- Pieces of foreign-supplied hostile technologies recovered included Chinese PL-15 air-to-air missiles, Turkish UAVs, long-range rockets, and commercial drones, confirming Pakistan’s reliance on foreign weaponry.
- Despite Pakistan’s advanced foreign-supplied armaments, India’s indigenous air defence and electronic warfare capabilities remained superior.
Akashteer System and Network Automation
- Akashteer, a networking and automation air defence project by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL), was fielded within a year after contract signing.
- Akashteer integrated ground-based defence systems and significantly enhanced air defence response.
- BEL highlighted Akashteer’s battlefield performance as exceeding expectations and effectively countering Pakistani aerial threats.
Current Border Situation and Diplomatic Notes
- Situation along western borders remained calm as of May 13-14 post-Operation Sindoor.
- No confirmed schedule yet for the next Directors-General of Military Operations (DGMOs) talks between India and Pakistan.
- The calmness suggests a phase of strategic consolidation after the operation’s high-intensity engagement.
