Operation Sindoor: Despite a visible calm along the India-Pakistan border, tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors remain palpable following a recent round of cross-border hostilities. On Monday, the Indian Armed Forces held a high-level press briefing to detail the success of their latest military action dubbed ‘Operation Sindoor’, asserting that India’s air defense remains impenetrable.
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Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) for the Air Force, confirmed that Indian forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a China-made PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile launched by Pakistan. “Our mission was clear, focused, and successfully executed. Breaching our defense grid is impossible,” he declared.
India’s Fight Was Against Terrorism, Not a Nation
Air Marshal Bharti emphasized that the Indian operation conducted on May 7 targeted only terrorist camps and militant hideouts along the Line of Control (LoC). “Our intent was never to escalate with Pakistan’s military, but they chose to involve themselves by shielding terrorists. We had no option but to respond decisively,” he said.
He added that the response was proportionate and meticulously planned. “Whatever damage they suffered was self-inflicted by their own decisions.”
Air Defense Like a Wall – Pakistan’s Attacks Repelled
The press briefing detailed the three-tier defense mechanism used during the retaliatory strikes: Low-Level Defense Guns, Surface-to-Air Missile Systems (SAMS), and Long-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles. Indian forces deployed systems including AD Surface, Pechora, and the indigenous Akash Missile System.
“These layers of protection form a near-impenetrable shield. Any hostile attempt was effectively neutralized,” Bharti said. The Indian Air Force also showcased the wreckage of destroyed enemy drones, including Turkey-made YIHA and Songar drones, along with fragments of the PL-15 missile.
Pakistan had relied on drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), attempting multiple penetrations into Indian airspace. All attempts were successfully intercepted using indigenous soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems, aided by India’s well-trained air defense personnel.
Operation Sindoor: Surgical Precision Without Crossing Borders
In a joint statement, Lt. Gen. Rajeev Ghai, DGMO from the Army, added context to the operation: “Operation Sindoor was a surgical and preemptive action carried out without violating international boundaries. We did not cross the LoC or the International Border. Yet, we delivered a strong message.”
He noted that the recent terrorist build-up in Pahalgam was a turning point. “Their atrocities had reached a breaking point. We acted precisely where needed.”
Ghai also revealed that Pakistan’s counter-airstrike attempt on May 9-10, which targeted Indian airfields and logistic hubs, was completely thwarted. “They had no chance to breach our multi-layered grid,” he asserted.
Kohli’s Retirement & A Powerful Message
Scope of the Indian Army's coordinated multi-pronged assault across the entire length of Pakistan's territory in such a compressed timeframe is strategically impressive.
— Sayantan Bhaumik 🇮🇳 (@CEOBhaumik) May 12, 2025
In a unique moment during the briefing, Lt. Gen. Ghai drew an emotional parallel between national defense and cricket, referencing Virat Kohli’s retirement from Test cricket, calling him one of his all-time favorites.
He quoted a line from Australian cricket folklore:
“Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don’t get ya, Lillee must.”
He used this metaphor to describe India’s multi-layered air defense grid, saying, “Even if an enemy breaches one layer, the next will get them.”
India’s Military Systems Fully Operational
Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, representing the Navy, added: “All our military systems are active and operational. If required, we are ready to deploy them again. There is no room for complacency.”
The overall message from the briefing was clear: India is not interested in war, but will not hesitate to defend its people and sovereignty with full might.
Calm Amidst Uncertainty
As of now, no further military escalation has been reported from either side. However, with Pakistan’s increasing reliance on Chinese and Turkish military hardware, and India’s growing confidence in indigenous systems, the strategic dynamics in the region are evidently shifting.
India’s successful handling of Operation Sindoor reaffirms its preparedness and sends a strong geopolitical signal — defense is not just reactive, it is preemptive, precise, and powered by indigenous strength.
