US Warfare Expert Hails Operation Sindoor: India’s BrahMos Proves Superior to Chinese-Pak Air Defense

India’s recent Operation Sindoor has emerged as a landmark military campaign that not only neutralized immediate terror threats but also underscored the nation’s strategic, technological, and operational superiority in the region. The operation’s success has reverberated across global defense circles, prompting experts to reevaluate South Asia’s power dynamics.

Colonel (Retd) John Spencer | India Today

Precision Strikes and Unmatched Missile Capabilities

Operation Sindoor was launched following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, with the Indian Air Force (IAF) executing precise, targeted strikes on terrorist camps and military installations deep inside Pakistan. The entire operation was completed in a swift 23 minutes, showcasing the IAF’s operational efficiency.

Central to this mission’s success was the deployment of the BrahMos missile system—an Indo-Russian supersonic cruise missile renowned for its speed, accuracy, and ability to penetrate advanced air defense systems. Despite Pakistan’s heavy reliance on Chinese-supplied air defense systems like the HQ-9 and HQ-16, these proved ineffective during Operation Sindoor. These systems failed to detect or intercept incoming BrahMos missiles, a failure that has attracted significant international attention.

U.S. Army veteran Colonel (Retd) John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies, highlighted the strategic message India sent through this operation: India now has the capability to strike “anywhere in Pakistan, anytime,” thus significantly raising the stakes for Pakistan’s military planners. This message was reinforced by the destruction of Pakistan’s AWACS and critical military assets during the strikes, with Pakistani military leadership admitting the onslaught’s severity.

Indigenous Air Defense and Counter-Drone Operations

Anticipating retaliatory threats, India deployed a robust multi-layered air defense system. The indigenous Akashteer automated air defense control and reporting system, developed by Bharat Electronics Limited, played a pivotal role in enhancing India’s situational awareness and coordinating air defense responses.

During the operation, Indian air defenses successfully neutralized more than 600 Pakistani drones—an impressive feat underscoring the country’s growing self-reliance and technological maturity in counter-drone warfare. The use of loitering munitions, or “kamikaze drones,” also played a key role by targeting and destroying high-value enemy radar and missile installations, thereby degrading Pakistan’s retaliatory capabilities.

Strategic Impact and Economic Ramifications

Operation Sindoor is being hailed as a turning point in India’s counterterrorism and defense strategy. Unlike previous engagements, the operation combined precision with restraint, avoiding full-scale conflict while imposing substantial costs on Pakistan’s military infrastructure. This calibrated approach has been praised by defense analysts globally and is recommended as a model for effective anti-terrorism operations.

Economically, the operation has influenced market sentiments significantly. Indian defense stocks surged post-operation, reflecting investor confidence in the nation’s military-industrial complex and its defense modernization efforts. In contrast, China’s defense stocks experienced a decline, likely stemming from concerns about the efficacy and reliability of Chinese-exported military systems, especially after the HQ-9 and HQ-16’s poor performance during the strikes.

Broader Geopolitical Implications

Operation Sindoor’s success not only enhances India’s regional stature but also sends a strong signal to other global players, including China and Turkey, regarding India’s growing defense capabilities. The operation demonstrates India’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and underscores its emergence as a formidable regional and global security actor.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s technological innovation, strategic foresight, and military readiness. By combining advanced missile systems like BrahMos with indigenous air defense technologies and precise operational planning, India has reshaped the defense landscape in South Asia.

The operation reaffirms India’s resolve to maintain peace and security through strength and precision, while simultaneously sending a clear deterrent message to adversaries.

(Source: OpIndia, India Today)