India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, has not only delivered a decisive military message but has also underlined the nation’s growing self-reliance in defence technologies, said former DRDO Chairman G Satheesh Reddy on Sunday.
The operation, carried out between May 7 and 10, targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK), marking a historic use of indigenously developed defence systems including anti-drone technologies and the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.
“This Was an Atmanirbhar-Based Warfare”: DRDO Chief
“Many indigenous-based technologies were used in this war… This war was an Atmanirbhar-based warfare,” Reddy told ANI, highlighting the successful deployment of anti-drone systems jointly developed by DRDO and the Indian defence industry.
“A huge number of drones were coming in, and they were successfully neutralised.”
The precision and impact of these systems showcased India’s reduced dependence on foreign technologies, reinforcing its strategic autonomy in the face of escalating threats.
BrahMos Plays Pivotal Role, New Missile Facility Inaugurated
Reddy noted the BrahMos missile played a crucial role, describing it as “effective, accurate, and reliable.” The armed forces were extensively trained during the development and trial phases, ensuring seamless integration in live combat.
He added that the inauguration of a BrahMos production facility in Lucknow by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh marks a new chapter in indigenous defence manufacturing. The facility, under the Defence Industrial Corridor initiative, will produce 100–150 BrahMos missiles annually, significantly enhancing India’s strike capabilities.
Air Marshal Bharti: “We Hit the Targets, Not Counted Body Bags”
At a separate press briefing, Air Marshal AK Bharti reiterated the strategic success of Operation Sindoor:
“Have we achieved our objectives of decimating the terrorist camps? The answer is a thumping yes… The world has seen the results.”
Bharti emphasized that the operation was precision-targeted, with no intention to count casualties.
“Our aim was to hit the target, not to count body bags,” he said. “All our pilots have returned safely. Their aircraft were prevented from entering our borders and several were downed.”
The operation was launched following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians, including a Nepali national, prompting a robust and calibrated response from Indian forces.
Key Highlights:
- Operation Sindoor used indigenous anti-drone systems and BrahMos missiles.
- DRDO-developed technologies played a major role, showcasing Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence.
- A new BrahMos production facility in Lucknow will produce up to 150 missiles annually.
- Air Marshal Bharti confirmed enemy planes were downed and all Indian pilots returned safely.
- The operation was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22.