Indian Army Operation Sindoor

Indian Army Operation Sindoor

Why in News? 

In retaliation to the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, India executed Operation Sindoor. In this operation, nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) were targeted. 

Background and Objectives of Operation Sindoor

• Background:
  • On 22 April 2025, a terrorist attack occurred in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The attack killed 25 Indian citizens and one Nepali national.
  • The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), claimed responsibility.
  • On 7 May 2025, India initiated Operation Sindoor, striking nine cross-border terror bases.
• Objective:
  • The main aim was to strike terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK).
  • It intended to destroy cross-border terror networks, deliver justice for Pahalgam victims, and prevent future attacks.

Key Facts About Operation Sindoor

• Nature of the Operation:
  • Operation Sindoor was a precise and well-planned military action by the Indian Armed Forces.
  • It was conducted on 7 May 2025 as a response to the Pahalgam attack.
• Targets:
  • The operation hit nine terror sites:

• Four in mainland Pakistan
• Five in PoJK

• The strike zones were linked to key terror outfits, including JeM, LeT, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

• • Military Leadership:
    • The operation was planned and executed by the joint efforts of the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy.
      • Wing Commander Vyomika Singh and Colonel Sofiya Qureshi briefed the nation on the operation.
  • Use of Technology:
    • High-precision systems like SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER guided bombs, and loitering munitions were used.
      • The goal was to ensure minimum civilian harm and avoid Pakistani military sites.

• List of Terror Targets Destroyed:

• • Markaz Subhan Allah, Bahawalpur – JeM Headquarters
  • Markaz Taiba, Muridke – LeT Base
  • Mehmoona Joya, Sialkot – HM Camp
  • Markaz Ahle Hadith, Barnala – LeT-linked indoctrination center
  • Syedna Bilal Camp, Muzaffarabad – JeM Training Site
  • Shwawai Nalla Camp, Muzaffarabad – LeT Operations Unit
  • Makaz Raheel Shahid, Kotli – HM Facility
  • Markaz Abbas, Kotli – JeM Safehouse
  • Sarjal Facility, Tehra Kalan – Weapons and IED Storage Site

Weapons Used in Operation Sindoor – Features and Capabilities

• SCALP Missile (Storm Shadow)
  • Introduction:
    • Storm Shadow, or SCALP, is an advanced cruise missile built by the UK and France for long-range aerial attacks.
    • This cruise missile specializes in hitting critical enemy positions with pinpoint accuracy.
  • Range and Speed:
    • Depending on the version, its operational range exceeds 250 km and may stretch close to 500 km.
    • It flies at subsonic speed and at low altitude, making it difficult to detect by enemy radar.
  • Warhead and Destructive Power:
    • It carries a 450 kg BROACH warhead, which can penetrate hardened structures like bunkers and command centers.
    • The tandem warhead design helps destroy even the most fortified targets.
  • Guidance System:
    • Its guidance relies on integrated systems like GPS, inertial navigation, terrain tracking, and infrared sensors.
    • This ensures high accuracy and stealth, helping it evade enemy air defense.
  • Launch Platform:
    • It can be launched from aircraft like Rafale, Mirage 2000, and other advanced jets.
• HAMMER Guided Bomb
  • Introduction:
    • HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is an advanced, all-weather air-to-ground weapon designed for precision strikes.
    • Developed by the French company SAFRAN, it is also referred to as a glide bomb for its accuracy and versatility.
  • Range and Utility:
    • The bomb can hit targets at distances ranging from 15 to 70 km, depending on launch conditions and version.
    • It is ideal for close air support and deep strike missions, especially in urban and mountainous areas.
  • Modular Design:
    • It comes in various weight options: 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg.
  • Guidance System:
    • It uses GPS/INS as its base navigation system.
    • Variants also include infrared and laser homing, providing terminal accuracy.
  • Launch Platform:
    • The HAMMER bomb is seamlessly integrated with Rafale jets to provide efficient strike capabilities.
• Loitering Munitions
  • Introduction:
    • Loitering munitions, also called kamikaze drones, are UAVs that hover over a target zone and strike at the right moment.
    • Once locked onto a target, they crash and detonate, earning them names like suicide drones or blasting drones.
  • Target Selection:
    • They can autonomously detect targets or be guided by an operator.
    • They allow flexibility to change or cancel targets after launch.
  • Precision and Stealth:
    • It excels at destroying both moving and concealed targets with exceptional accuracy.
    • Their small size and low radar signature help them avoid detection.
  • Examples:
    • India uses IAI Harop (Israel) and ALS-50 (Tata Advanced Systems).
    • The indigenous Nagastra-1, developed by Solar Industries, has a 15 km range and carries a 1.5 kg explosive for real-time surveillance and strike capability.