Operation Sindoor: Indian Armed Forces' Strategic Precision Against Terrorism

Air Marshal AK Bharti's Statement

On Monday, Air Marshal AK Bharti delivered a clear message regarding Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that the operation was solely focused on terrorist threats and not directed at the military or civilian population of Pakistan. During a press conference involving all three branches of the armed forces, he stated, 'Our conflict is with terrorists, not with the Pakistan military or its civilians.' This assertion highlighted India's commitment to a precise military strategy amidst rising regional tensions following the terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22.

Operational Readiness and Technological Edge

Air Marshal Bharti pointed out that the Indian Armed Forces showcased their operational accuracy and technological readiness through Operation Sindoor. He remarked, 'Our counter systems and trained air defense personnel are fully equipped, and our homegrown technology has demonstrated its effectiveness.' He further added, 'Regardless of the technology that may arise, we are ready to counter it. The outcomes validate our capabilities.' Supporting this, Lt. Gen. Rajiv Ghai, Director General of Military Operations, commended India's multi-layered air defense system, which successfully thwarted attempts by the Pakistan Air Force on May 9 and 10.

Defensive Success Against Pakistani Drones

'There was no opportunity for Pakistan to breach our defenses and target our airfields or logistical sites,' stated Lt. Gen. Ghai. He attributed the successful defense to India's well-coordinated systems, which encompass Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), air defense weaponry, and electronic warfare capabilities. Here are eight key highlights from the operation.

Key Highlights from Operation Sindoor

• Deployment included assets from the IAF, Army, and Navy in a robust, multi-layered system.


• Numerous Pakistani drones and UAVs were neutralized using both soft and hard-kill anti-UAV systems.


• Chinese-origin PL-15 air-to-air missiles reportedly missed their targets and were effectively countered.


• Long-range rockets, loitering munitions, and Turkish-origin Yiha systems were neutralized.

Visual evidence was presented showing quadcopters being shot down by Indian systems.

Specific hits included:

Nur Khan Air Base

Rahimyar Khan Air Base

Insights from Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai

• India did not cross the Line of Control (LoC) or International Border (IB); the defense was executed from within our territory.


• On May 9-10, the multi-layered air defense grid effectively countered the drone attacks.

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) drones were unable to penetrate this defense grid.

He quoted, 'From ashes to ashes, dust to dust,' illustrating the total neutralization of drones and the impossibility of reaching our locations to inflict damage.

Some drones were downed using shoulder-fired weapons.

Unarmed aerial systems (UAS) were also neutralized.

He also praised the Border Security Force (BSF) for their contributions, from the Director General to the soldiers.

Vice Admiral A. N. Pramod's Overview

• Maritime forces conducted persistent surveillance, detection, and identification.


• Multiple sensors and intelligence inputs were utilized to respond to emerging threats.


• Operations were carried out under a layered fleet air defense system, addressing threats from drones, missiles, and aircraft.


• Navy pilots operated with high proficiency, both during the day and at night.

Aircraft carriers, equipped with MiG-29Ks and airborne early warning fighters, prevented enemy aircraft from approaching.

No hostile aircraft could come near the Indian fleet.

Conclusion of the Briefing

The briefing on May 12 also aimed to reassure both the public and the international community that India's response was measured, precise, and firmly rooted in a doctrine of self-defense, highlighting the armed forces' capability to act decisively without escalating into a full-scale conflict.