Operation Sindoor: India’s Rising Power in Indigenous Defence Technology

At the convocation of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, DRDO Chairman Samir V. Kamat described Operation Sindoor as a landmark in India’s defence history. Conducted along the country’s western frontiers, the mission was not merely a military exercise but a display of India’s ability to equip and execute high-level operations entirely through indigenous systems. From surface-to-air missile batteries to cruise missile strikes, every major offensive and defensive move relied on technology developed within the country.

Among the assets deployed were the Akash short-range surface-to-air missiles, the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), the D4 anti-drone system, airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) platforms, the automated Akashteer air-defence network, and advanced C4I systems for battlefield command and control. Together, these systems demonstrated not only technical sophistication but also seamless interoperability during a real-world operation.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Samir V Kamat during the convocation ceremony on Saturday. (HT PHOTO) | Hindustan Times

BrahMos: The Spearhead of the Offensive

One of the defining features of Operation Sindoor was the role of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. According to Kamat, the air-launched BrahMos, deployed from Sukhoi-30 MKI fighter jets, served as the operation’s primary offensive weapon. Its unmatched precision, long range, and high speed allowed for deep strikes against strategic targets, reaffirming India’s status as a leader in cruise missile technology. The integration of BrahMos into such a large-scale mission signalled its maturity as a combat-proven system and a cornerstone of India’s deterrence strategy.

The Power of Intelligent Command Systems

While the missiles and aircraft took the spotlight, the mission’s success also relied heavily on India’s advances in command-and-control technology. The Akashteer system, enhanced with artificial intelligence, enabled real-time coordination between multiple defence platforms, integrating radar data, communication feeds, and target tracking into a unified operational picture. This capability proved critical in managing fast-moving aerial threats and ensuring rapid decision-making under pressure.

The AEW&C platforms added another dimension to this command network, providing continuous surveillance and situational awareness across the battlespace. By combining AI-driven analytics with human command oversight, Operation Sindoor demonstrated that India is moving toward next-generation network-centric warfare.

Global Reach and Defence Exports

The success of Operation Sindoor has also boosted India’s reputation in the international defence market. Kamat noted that systems like the Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher, Akash missiles, BrahMos, and the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) have attracted strong interest from countries in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. Defence exports, which currently stand at ₹23,000 crore annually, are projected to reach ₹50,000 crore in the coming years, driven by the credibility of these indigenous systems on the battlefield.

The Human Element: Building the Next Generation of Innovators

Beyond the hardware, Kamat emphasized the role of India’s scientific and engineering talent in achieving such milestones. DIAT graduates, trained in cutting-edge fields such as quantum technology, cybersecurity, robotics, propulsion, materials engineering, and artificial intelligence, form the backbone of future defence innovation. DRDO’s establishment of Young Scientist Labs, each led by directors under the age of 35, reflects a deliberate strategy to harness youthful creativity in emerging domains like smart materials, cyber-physical systems, and asymmetric warfare technologies.

He urged these graduates to focus on the challenges of tomorrow, from hypersonic propulsion and stealth technologies to advanced electronic warfare capabilities. In a world of shifting geopolitical realities, India’s defence strength will increasingly depend on this new generation of scientists, engineers, and strategists.

A Vision for 2047

For Kamat, Operation Sindoor was not just a tactical success but part of a broader national vision. As India approaches its centenary of independence in 2047, the goal is to stand among the world’s foremost technology and defence leaders. Self-reliance in critical systems, the ability to project power across regions, and a steady expansion of defence exports are all key steps toward that objective.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor marks a turning point in India’s military and technological narrative. It showcased a fusion of indigenous firepower, intelligent command networks, and strategic foresight. The deployment of systems like BrahMos and Akashteer under combat conditions proved that India can integrate innovation, scale, and precision into its defence posture. As the country looks ahead to 2047, such operations will not only safeguard national security but also project India’s capabilities on the world stage, reinforcing its position as a self-reliant and forward-looking power.

(Sources: Hindustan Times, NDTV, Times of India)