Introduction: The Pahalgam Attack and India's Response

On April 22, 2025, a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, resulted in the deaths of 26 Indian tourists and a Nepali guide. The Resistance Front, affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba, claimed responsibility. In retaliation, India initiated "Operation Sindoor" on May 7, 2025, conducting missile strikes on nine terrorist camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), targeting groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. 

Operation Sindoor: Key Weapons and Technological Highlights

1. Rafale Fighter Jets

First operational use of India's fleet of 36 French-made Rafale jets.

Equipped with Meteor air-to-air missiles and the SPECTRA electronic warfare system.

Demonstrated multi-role capabilities in air-to-ground precision strikes.

2. SCALP Cruise Missiles (Storm Shadow)

Air-launched, long-range cruise missiles with a range exceeding 250 km.

Features stealth technology and a 450 kg BROACH warhead, capable of penetrating fortified bunkers.

Deployed from Rafale and Mirage 2000 aircraft. 

3. HAMMER Bombs (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range)

Precision-guided munitions with GPS and laser guidance systems.

Effective range of up to 70 km, suitable for targeting medium-range sites.

Compatible with Rafale, Mirage, Tejas, and Sukhoi aircraft. 

4. Nagastra-1 Loitering Munitions

India's indigenous suicide drones, marking their first use against terrorism.

AI-enabled, capable of autonomously identifying and neutralizing targets within a 2–100 km range.

Indian Army has inducted 480 units, enhancing surveillance and strike capabilities.

5. S-400 Air Defense System

Advanced Russian-made air defense system with a range of 40 to 400 km.

Capable of tracking and neutralizing up to 300 targets simultaneously.

India procured five systems in 2018; three have been delivered, bolstering national defense.

Operation Sindoor: Key Facts

India executed missile strikes on nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK.

Utilized SCALP missiles, HAMMER bombs, and Nagastra-1 drones for precision targeting.

Rafale and Mirage aircraft conducted strikes without crossing the Line of Control, hitting targets up to 60 km away.

SPECTRA electronic warfare systems and decoy flares were employed to evade Pakistani radar detection.

The operation lasted approximately 25 minutes, showcasing India's rapid response capability. 

Significance for Competitive Exams

UPSC/SSC/Banking Exams: Questions may focus on recent defense operations, indigenous weapon systems, and India-Pakistan relations.

Key Takeaways:

Understanding the strategic use of advanced weaponry like SCALP missiles and HAMMER bombs.

Insights into India's indigenous defense capabilities, exemplified by Nagastra-1 drones.

Awareness of India's evolving military doctrines and rapid response strategies.

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