John Spencer

India’s transformation into a modern defense power began in 2014,when Prime Minister Modi launched the "Make in India" initiative. The goal was clear: reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and build a world-class domestic defense industry. The policy incentivized joint ventures, opened defense to foreign direct investment up to 74%, and encouraged both public and private sector manufacturers to build sophisticated military hardware at home. Within a few years, systems like the BrahMos missile, K9 Vajra howitzer, and AK-203 rifle were being produced inside India—many with technology partnerships but increasing domestic control.

Then came a second wave. In 2020, the combined shock of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash with China exposed the fragility of foreign supply chains and the urgency of operational self-reliance. In response, Modi unveiled Atmanirbhar Bharat—meaning “Self-Reliant India.” More than an economic policy, it became a national security doctrine. India imposed phased bans on key defense imports, gave the armed forces emergency procurement powers, and poured investment into indigenous research, design, and production. By 2025, India had increased domestic content in defense procurement from 30% to 65%, with a goal of 90% by the decade’s end.

That doctrine was tested under fire on April 22, 2025, when Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 Indian civilians in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Baisaran Valley. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor—a rapid, multidomain military campaign that not only dismantled cross-border terror networks but became a full-scale validation of India’s defense transformation.

Operation Sindoor pitted India’s indigenously developed weapons systems against Chinese-supplied platforms fielded by Pakistan. And India didn’t just win on the battlefield—it won the technology referendum. What unfolded was not just retaliation, but the strategic debut of a sovereign arsenal built under the twin doctrines of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

India’s Arsenal: Sovereign Systems, Combat-Tested

BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile

Jointly developed with Russia but largely manufactured in India, the BrahMos is one of the fastest and most precise cruise missiles in the world. Flying at Mach 2.8–3.0 with a 290–500 km range, it was used to strike high-value targets like radar stations and hardened bunkers. Its speed and low radar cross-section make it nearly impossible to intercept.

Akash SAM + Akashteer System

The Akash surface-to-air missile, developed by DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation, India’s premier military research and development agency) and Bharat Dynamics, is an all-weather, mobile air defense system with a range of 25–30 km. It was integrated with the Akashteer Command & Control System, an AI-enhanced air defense network that provides real-time data fusion, enabling coordinated response to multiple airborne threats—including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft.

Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile

India’s first indigenously developed anti-radiation missile, Rudram-1 homes in on enemy radar emissions and neutralizes air defense networks. It was deployed to silence Pakistani ground-based radars and degrade situational awareness in key sectors of the Line of Control (LoC).

BATTLEFIELD ISR: Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C)

Built by DRDO on an Embraer platform, Netra is India’s indigenous airborne early warning and control aircraft. It provided real-time tracking of enemy aircraft and missiles, vectoring Indian jets for deep-strike missions. Its effectiveness was evident when Pakistan’s Swedish Saab 2000 AEW&C was destroyed by a long-range missile.

Loitering Munitions (SkyStriker, Harop)

India deployed Harop and SkyStriker drones—precision-guided “kamikaze” munitions that loiter over the battlefield and dive onto enemy targets. Harop is manufactured under license by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) aka IAI-BEL; SkyStriker is assembled domestically through an Elbit JV. They were used to destroy mobile radars, convoys, and high-value enemy infrastructure with minimal collateral damage.

D4S Counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) System

An indigenous multi-layer drone defense system integrating radar, radio frequency (RF) jammers, Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and kinetic kill options. India's Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy System (D4S) neutralized dozens of Chinese-made Pakistani drones. The system reflects India’s transition from reactive air defense to proactive electronic warfare dominance.

M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer

Imported from the U.S. but integrated into Indian mountain warfare doctrine, this howitzer was used with Excalibur precision-guided shells to strike terrorist camps without crossing the LoC. Its airliftability and rapid deployment made it ideal for high-altitude operations.

T-72 Main Battle Tanks and Zorawar Light Tanks

India deployed upgraded T-72s along the LoC for overwatch roles. The Zorawar, a new light tank optimized for high-altitude terrain, is under development. These systems signal India’s continued investment in mobility and firepower in challenging Himalayan terrain.

Airborne Platforms: Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000

India deployed some of its most advanced fighter jets during Operation Sindoor. The Rafale, a French-made multirole combat aircraft, led deep precision strikes using SCALP long-range cruise missiles to hit fortified enemy positions. It also carried Meteor air-to-air missiles, capable of hitting targets over 100 kilometers away—giving India a decisive edge in air combat.

The Su-30MKI, a Russian-designed twin-engine heavy fighter built under license in India, and the Mirage 2000, another versatile French jet, provided firepower and flexibility, launching multiple strike packages and ensuring airspace control.

These jets flew under the protective umbrella of the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which acted like an eye in the sky—tracking enemy aircraft and coordinating the battlespace. Meanwhile, Rudram anti-radiation missiles were used in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions, disabling enemy radar and air defense systems to ensure safe air operations.

Pakistan’s Arsenal: Chinese Systems, Strategic Failures

JF-17 Thunder (Block II/III)

Produced in Pakistan but designed and built by China’s AVIC, the JF-17 relies on Chinese avionics, radar, engine (RD-93), and weapons. During Sindoor, these aircraft failed to gain air superiority or contest Indian strikes. Their limited payload, outdated radar, and poor survivability were evident under Indian EW and air defense pressure.

F-16 Fighting Falcons (U.S.)

Though technically superior to JF-17s, Pakistan’s F-16s are restricted by U.S. end-user agreements, barring their use against India. As a result, they were sidelined during Sindoor—leaving Pakistan without a frontline air dominance platform.

HQ-9 / HQ-16 SAM Systems

Chinese imitations of Russia’s S-300 and Buk systems, the HQ-9 and HQ-16 were deployed to intercept Indian air and missile attacks. However, they failed under India’s jamming and deception operations. These systems were easily bypassed by BrahMos and loitering drones, revealing critical weaknesses.

LY-80 & FM-90 Air Defense

Older short- and medium-range SAM systems, also Chinese-made. Both were unable to detect or stop India's low-flying drones and precision munitions. This forced Pakistan to rely on passive air defense rather than any credible kinetic response.

CH-4 Drones (China)

Used extensively by Pakistan for ISR and light strike roles, CH-4s were repeatedly downed or jammed. They underperformed in terrain and electronic environments dominated by India’s D4S system. Reports emerged that Turkish drone operators had to be brought in to manage UAVs—revealing both equipment and personnel dependency.

Saab 2000 AEW&C (Sweden)

Pakistan’s key airborne early warning platform. One was destroyed—likely by an S-400 system—crippling Pakistan’s airspace awareness and blinding command and control functions.

By the end of the campaign, Pakistan had lost key radar stations, its premier AEW&C aircraft, dozens of drones, and its ability to contest Indian airspace.

The Verdict: India’s Sovereign Power vs. Pakistan’s Proxy Dependency

India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built, and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence. When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad’s defense posture.

The global market reacted. India’s defense stocks surged—Paras Defence & Space rose 49% in May, while MTAR Technologies and Data Patterns gained investor trust. In contrast, Chinese defense stocks fell sharply after the operation. AVIC, NORINCO, CETC—all took hits as the battlefield disproved their marketing.

ALSO READ: India achieved a massive victory in Operation Sindoor: US Expert John Spencer

Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military campaign. It was a technology demonstration, a market signal, and a strategic blueprint. India showed the world what self-reliance in modern warfare looks like—and proved that “Atmanirbhar Bharat” works under fire.

John Spencer is considered one of the world’s leading experts on urban warfare. He is the Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute at West Point, Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, and host of the Urban Warfare Project podcast. This is verbatim reproduction of his post on X :

https://t.co/CkxSUVgE3B

— John Spencer (@SpencerGuard) May 29, 2025