India’s use of domestically developed military technology, including air defence systems and loitering munitions, featured prominently in Operation SINDOOR, a coordinated response to recent cross-border attacks. The Indian Armed Forces deployed a mix of legacy and indigenous platforms to neutralise aerial threats and carry out precision strikes without crossing international boundaries.
On May 7–8, multiple locations across Northern and Western India—including Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Bhuj—were targeted by drones and missiles. These were intercepted using India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The operation also involved a retaliatory strike by the Indian Air Force targeting Pakistani air defence radars, including one at Lahore.
Among the indigenous systems used was the Akash Surface-to-Air Missile System, developed for short-range air defence. The Akash system is capable of engaging multiple targets in group or autonomous mode and includes electronic counter-countermeasure features. These systems are mounted on mobile platforms to support rapid deployment.
The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) was instrumental in coordinating Army, Navy, and Air Force assets during the operation. This networked system allowed real-time tracking and engagement, forming a multi-layered defence network that reportedly prevented Pakistani aircraft from successfully targeting Indian airfields and logistic installations during the night of May 9–10.
Loitering munitions were used to strike key enemy positions at Pakistani airbases in Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan. These munitions autonomously identified and destroyed high-value assets, including radars and missile systems. The strikes were completed in 23 minutes without loss of Indian assets. According to the Indian Air Force, Chinese-supplied air defence systems deployed in Pakistan were jammed during these operations.
Recovered fragments of neutralised threats included Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, Turkish-manufactured UAVs, quadcopters, and long-range rockets, highlighting the foreign sourcing of Pakistani defence equipment.
The Indian Army credited the success of the operation to a layered defence system comprising shoulder-fired weapons, legacy platforms like the Pechora and OSA-AK, and newer technologies. Coordination between services was cited as a factor in ensuring minimal damage to civilian and military infrastructure.
At an event on May 11, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan stated, “At least 10 satellites are continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country.”
India’s growing drone industry also contributed to the operation. The Drone Federation of India represents over 550 drone manufacturers and 5,500 pilots. Companies such as Alpha Design Technologies, Tata Advanced Systems, Paras Defence & Space Technologies, and IG Drones have been involved in the production of drones for defence and industrial use. The Indian drone market is projected to reach USD 11 billion by 2030, comprising an estimated 12.2% of the global market.
The government’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for drones, launched in 2021 with a total incentive of INR 1.2 billion, has supported this growth. Defence exports reached INR 240 billion in FY 2024–25, with a target of INR 500 billion by 2029.