In the ‘Operation Sindoor,’ India’s Armed Forces successfully targeted nine terror camps located across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes, conducted entirely from Indian soil, marked a decisive and technologically advanced blow against terror infrastructure. Precision strike weapon systems from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including indigenous kamikaze drones known as loitering munitions, played a pivotal role in the mission, sources revealed.
According to sources, intelligence agencies provided the coordinates for the attacks, which were aimed at dismantling key terror hubs controlled by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). These groups have long been sponsoring terrorism within India. The selected targets included terror leadership and infrastructure, emphasising the intent to neutralise threats directly linked to major terror plots.
The Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the mission was a part of ‘Operation Sindoor,’ and stressed that the strikes were focused, measured, and non-escalatory. A major highlight of the operation was the use of the LMS (Low-Cost Miniature Swarm) kamikaze drones, which struck five locations in PoJK and four deep inside Pakistan. The strikes resulted in the elimination of several terrorists, including top commanders, as well as family members of Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Masood Azhar, including Jaish-e-Mohammad chief Rauf Asghar.
LMS drones, officially known as the Low-Cost Miniature Swarm Drone or Loitering Munition System, represent a cutting-edge precision weapon capable of loitering over target areas before striking autonomously or under human control. Developed indigenously by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in collaboration with private firms like NewSpace Research and Technologies, these drones offer a cost-effective alternative to conventional missiles.
Equipped with high-resolution cameras, thermal imaging sensors, and GPS-guided navigation, some models also incorporate artificial intelligence to enhance real-time targeting. During Operation Sindoor, real-time data from the National Technical Research Organisation (NTRO) allowed drones to hit terrorist positions with pinpoint accuracy.
One of the most significant platforms used was the SkyStriker loitering munition, manufactured in Bengaluru through a joint venture between Elbit Systems and Adani’s Alpha Design Technologies. These drones are designed for stealth and precision, capable of carrying either a 5 kg or 10 kg warhead with a loitering endurance of up to two hours. Their electric propulsion system ensures near-silent operations, making them highly effective for deep penetration missions.
SkyStriker’s ability to abort a strike as late as two seconds before impact and its capability to return if no viable target is found were crucial in minimising collateral damage. More than 100 units of the SkyStriker were ordered by India in 2021, but Operation Sindoor marked their most significant operational use to date.
The successful deployment of SkyStriker drones not only bolstered India’s tactical capabilities but also had a noticeable impact on the stock market. Following the operation, Elbit Systems’ share price on NASDAQ saw a notable rise, reflecting investor confidence in the technology’s effectiveness. The SkyStriker’s performance during Operation Sindoor underscores India’s growing prowess in indigenous defence manufacturing, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
Operation Sindoor, marked by the use of Made in India kamikaze drones, represents a significant shift in India’s strategic response to terrorism.
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