Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Armed Forces on May 7, 2025, was a historic military campaign targeting nine Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) using specialized ammunition. This strategic response followed the terror attack on Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, that claimed 26 lives.
The Pahalgam Attack: Catalyst for Action
The attack in Pahalgam's Baisaran area, claimed by The Resistance Front (TRF), a proxy of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), was linked by Indian intelligence to JeM and Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi canceled his visit to Saudi Arabia for an emergency meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar, vowing "severe punishment" for the attackers. Operation Sindoor was the embodiment of this commitment, utilizing specialized munitions to dismantle terrorist structures.
Special Ammunition: Showcasing Technological Superiority
In Operation Sindoor, India unleashed advanced and precise munitions, ensuring maximum impact with minimal civilian collateral. The Indian Air Force's (IAF) Rafale fighter jets deployed with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, key weapons in the operation against terror bases.
SCALP Cruise Missile (SCALP-EG / Storm Shadow)
The SCALP, known as Storm Shadow in the UK, is a Franco-British long-range, low-observable air-launched cruise missile developed by European defense firm MBDA. It's a vital component of India's 36 Rafale jets, known officially as Système de Croisière Autonome à Longue Portée – Emploi Général, meaning "Long Range Autonomous Cruise Missile System - General Purpose".
Source: aajtak
Features:
Range: 250-560 km depending on launch altitude. Some sources suggest it could reach 600 km.
Speed:
Subsonic, Mach 0.8 (approximately 1,000 km/h).
Weight:
Approximately 1,300 kg, including a 450 kg explosive warhead.
Guidance System:
GPS and navigation for precise path planning.
Infrared Seeker:
Guides in the final stage based on thermal images of the target.
Terrain Reference Navigation:
Allows flight using terrain features, helping evade radar detection.
Flight Altitude:
Flies at low altitudes of 100-130 feet to evade radar, climbs to 6,000 meters near the target before diving for the strike.
Warhead:
BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge), capable of penetrating bunkers and hardened targets.
Specialty:
Its stealth design avoids radar detection. It’s a "fire-and-forget" missile, requiring no pilot control post-launch.
Uses:
Command centers, communication hubs, airports, ports, power stations, weapon depots, ships, and other high-value strategic targets.
Global Deployment:
Utilized in the Gulf War, Iraq, Libya, Syria, and against Russian targets in Ukraine in 2023.
Source: aajtak
Significance in India:
The IAF recalibrated the SCALP's software with MBDA to target mountainous regions (such as those in Ladakh or Pakistan) up to 4,000 meters, increasing from the previous 2,000 meters limit.
Strategic Edge:
During the 2020 Ladakh standoff, Rafale jets equipped with SCALPs were deployed in Ambala, capable of targeting objectives in China's Tibet region.
Against Pakistan:
The SCALP's stealth and range make it ideal for destroying terrorist camps, bunkers, and command centers, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor. Its radar evasion capabilities make it a "Silent Assassin," capable of penetrating deep and hardened targets. Integrated with Rafale’s SPECTRA electronic warfare system enhances its lethality.
HAMMER Missile: The Agile Arsenal
HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), also known as AASM (Armement Air-Sol Modulaire), developed by French defense company Safran, is a medium-range, precision-guided air-to-ground weapon system. It transforms regular bombs into advanced missiles using propulsion kits and guidance systems. Acquired for the Rafale jets during the 2020 border tensions with China.
Source: aajtak
Features:
Range: 20-70 km depending on launch altitude and target nature. Combines features of missile and glide bomb due to propulsion kit.
Weight:
Available in different sizes - 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and a 1,000 kg "bunker buster" variant.
Guidance System: Satellite (GPS):
for long-range targeting. Thermal imagery recognition of targets. Laser-guidance for ultra-precision.
Specialty:
Highly effective at low altitude and in mountainous regions. Can engage targets without GPS, resilient against electronic jamming.
Targets:
Bunkers, hard surfaces, military bases, and dynamic targets.
Used extensively by the French Air Force and Navy in Afghanistan (2008), Libya (2011), Mali (2011), Iraq, and Syria. Notably effective in eliminating bunkers and hardened targets. In 2020, faced with Chinese stand-off in Ladakh, India integrated HAMMER missiles into Rafales under emergency procurement.
Significance for India:
Its efficacy in low altitude and mountainous terrains make HAMMER a favorable choice for areas like Ladakh. Can destroy bunkers and military installations from 70 km away. Chosen over delayed SPICE 2000 bombs due to pre-existing compatibility with Rafales.
Multi-Target Phenomenon:
Each Rafale can carry 6 HAMMER missiles, capable of engaging 6 targets simultaneously. Its modular design is adaptable with various bomb sizes and guidance systems. Can attack while staying beyond enemy air defenses, capable of penetrating bunkers and hardened sites.
The Fear Factor: Rafale's Presence Sends Ripples Across Pakistani Media
Source: aajtak
Recently, Pakistani media reported Indian Air Force's four Rafale fighter jets patrolling across the Line of Control (LoC) in Kashmir. PTV News and Radio Pakistan, citing security sources, claimed that Pakistan Air Force chased these jets, leading to their return. However, India dismissed these claims as "fabrications" and "fictions."
Pakistan Information Minister Attaullah Tarar, in a press conference at 2 am on April 29, claimed based on intelligence that India might attack in the next 24-36 hours, sparking panic across Pakistan. Social media buzzed with hashtags like #MunirOut.
Rumors spread that General Asim Munir fled the country with his family or was hiding in a bunker in Rawalpindi. However, the Pakistani Prime Minister's office released photos dispelling such rumors, though doubts about authenticity lingered.
The Pakistani public began Googling questions like "How many Rafales does India have?" "Power of Rafale Missiles," and "Who would win an India-Pakistan war," illustrating the apprehension caused by Rafale's power and India's military readiness.
Why is Rafale So Deadly?
Rafale is a 4.5 generation multi-role fighter jet, renowned for its advanced technology and combat prowess. Some of its standout features include:
Speed and Range:
Rafale-M reaches 2,202 km/h, surpassing Pakistan's JF-17 (1,910 km/h) and J-10 CE (2,100 km/h). Its range of 3,700 km makes it ideal for long-range missions.
Weaponry:
Equipped with 30 mm autocannon gun, 14 hardpoints, Meteor missiles (300 km range), and SCALP missiles. Features air-to-air, air-to-ground, and anti-ship missiles.
AESA Radar:
Its Active Electronically Scanned Array radar can track targets over long distances.
Stealth and Electronic Warfare:
SPECTRA system renders it stealthy. Can extend range via in-flight refueling.
Naval Capability:
Rafale-M is designed for aircraft carrier operations, making it a formidable force at sea.
Pakistan relies mainly on Chinese-origin jets (JF-17, J-10) and older F-16s that pale against Rafale. Furthermore, Pakistan's HQ-9 air defense system has failed against India's S-400 systems and BrahMos missiles.
Utilization of Special Weapons
BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
Source: aajtak
Features:
Speed of Mach 3.5, range of 400-600 km, and high precision.
Use:
Deployed against Jaish command centers and weapon depots in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad.
Impact:
Its speed and precision left Pakistani defenses with no time to react.
SPICE 2000 Smart Bombs
Features:
60 km range, GPS and electro-optical guidance, precise targeting even at night.
Use:
Deployed from Mirage 2000 jets on training camps in Kotli and PoK.
Impact:
Completely destroyed terror bases with minimal collateral damage.
Popeye Precision-Guided Missiles
Features:
78 km range, real-time target adjustment.
Use:
Targeted Jaish weapons stockpiles near Rawalpindi.
Impact:
Capable of penetrating deep, secure enclaves.
Indigenous Laser-Guided Bomb (Sudarshan)
Source: aajtak
Features:
DRDO-developed, 1,000 kg explosive capability.
Use:
Deployed at Lashkar-e-Taiba's auxiliary bases in Muridke.
Impact:
Demonstrates India's indigenous technology, cost-effective and precise.
Drone-Launch Micro Munitions:
Deployed from Heron drones, these precise explosives targeted key terror commanders' bases. Evaded Pakistani radar due to low visibility and high maneuverability. The stand-off capability allowed Indian aircraft to strike without entering Pakistani airspace, inspired by the 2019 Balakot strike but more advanced and widespread.
Strategy and Execution of the Strike
Operation Sindoor was executed jointly by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Army on May 7, 2025, at 3:00 am, lasting about 30 minutes. Key aspects were:
Targeted Sites:
In Pakistan: Bahawalpur (JeM headquarters), Kotli, Rawalpindi, and four other locations.
In PoK:
Muzaffarabad, Muridke, and three other bases.
Depth:
Strikes penetrated 150 km into Pakistan, demonstrating India's deep-strike capability.
Strategic Diversions
Decoy Operations:
Four Sukhoi Su-30 MKI jets flew from Jodhpur towards Bahawalpur, drawing Pakistan Air Force (PAF) southward.
Surprise Tactics:
Indian aircraft evaded Pakistani radar with low-altitude night flying.
Civilian Safety:
Strikes were confined to non-civilian targets, including camps, depots, and command hubs.
Intelligence Coordination:
RAW, IB, and NTRO verified targets via satellite imagery, drone surveillance, and human intelligence. Maulana Yusuf Azhar, Masood Azhar’s brother-in-law, reportedly led the Bahawalpur camp.
Technical Support:
Netra and Falcon AWACS: Provided real-time air surveillance and coordination.
Ilyushin Il-78:
Assisted with mid-air refueling.
X-Band Radar:
Monitored Pakistani air activities up to 300 km.
Targets Neutralized
Training Camps:
Major Jaish camps in Bahawalpur and Muzaffarabad, where 200-300 terrorists trained.
Command Centers:
Bases for Masood Azhar and other leaders.
Weapon Depots:
Stockpiles of explosives, rocket launchers, and AK-47s.
Madrasas:
Religious schools used for terror training.
Pakistan's Response
The Pakistani Air Force attempted a counteraction, but the precise and quick withdrawal of Indian aircraft thwarted them. Pakistan condemned the strike as "aggression" but refrained from a military response.
