How India Secured Its Skies During Operation Sindoor

But once again, in 2025, the skies darkened. The threat returned—unprovoked, unwelcome, and airborne. This time, however, India wasn’t just prepared. We were watching, waiting, and ready to respond. And respond we did—with precision, strategy, and firepower. What unfolded would be known to the world as Operation Sindoor—India’s bold defence of its skies.

Air defence was in the spotlight like never before in those few days between May 7 and May 10, 2025. The spotlight had turned to the unsung warriors of the sky—not pilots, but the weapon systems that made sure no threat crossed our borders unchecked.

From Soviet-era missiles still holding the fort to cutting-edge loitering munitions and next-gen radars, India's air defence is no longer just reactive—it’s strategically offensive and deeply layered, as explored in Unfolded by Pankaj P Singh.

Here’s a closer look at the four-tiered air defence system that kept India’s skies secure in the wake of Operation Sindoor.

Often dubbed suicide or Kamikaze drones, these unmanned aerial systems (UAVs) can hover over enemy territory for hours before crashing into their target with lethal precision. They are a part of the first layer of air defence intended for immediate threat neutralisation.

During Operation Sindoor, such systems were reportedly deployed for precision strikes on enemy airbases, changing the face of air warfare as we know it. Among these, India has Nagastra, developed by Solar Industries and ZMotion, and Warmate, which is of Polish origin

The OSA-AK is a low-altitude, surface-to-air missile system designed to shield vital military infrastructure from sudden aerial threats. They are a part of India’s second layer of air defence that aims at point defence. Originally part of the Soviet arsenal, it has been upgraded and tailored to meet India's modern defence requirements. It became a part of India’s layered air defence during Operation Sindoor in May 2025.

What sets the OSA-AK apart is its self-contained, tracked launcher, which combines radar, command systems, and six ready-to-fire missiles—all on a single platform. This makes it exceptionally effective in defending forward airbases, radar stations, and high-value command facilities, especially in rapidly evolving combat scenarios.

An indigenous marvel, the Akash short-range, surface-to-air weapon system is India's pride. This system is a part of India’s third layer of air defence that intends to intercept and neutralise the target before it reaches its destination.

Fully mobile and capable of simultaneously targeting multiple aerial threats in group or autonomous mode, Akash features ECCM (Electronic Counter-Counter Measures) and forms a key layer in India's tiered air defence strategy. During Operation Sindoor, the Akash Missile System performed phenomenally and successfully defended our skies.

The Pechora missile system, originally of Soviet origin, has withstood the test of time and remains a vital pillar in India’s air defence network. Designed to intercept threats at low to medium altitudes, it remains strategically deployed across key military installations. They are a part of India’s third layer of air defence that intercepts threats before they reach their intended targets.

During Operation Sindoor, the Pechora proved its mettle once again, neutralising enemy drones and loitering munitions with pinpoint accuracy. In an era of evolving threats, this battle-tested system reminded us that age is no barrier when backed by precision and purpose.

Not every threat needs a missile. Sometimes, precision comes from the barrel of a gun.

India’s L-70 Low-Level Air Defence (LLAD) guns, once conventional anti-aircraft weapons, have been transformed into high-tech guardians of the skies. Proven in past conflicts with Pakistan and once again during Operation Sindoor, they served as a dependable second layer of air defence for the Indian Armed Forces.

Now equipped with electro-optical sensors, radar integration, and automatic target tracking, these upgraded systems are designed to detect and neutralise low-flying enemy aircraft, drones, and munitions with ruthless efficiency. Known for their high rate of fire, the L-70s are capable of engaging fast-moving aerial targets at low altitudes. India has further enhanced their effectiveness by integrating modern electro-optical fire control systems, improving both accuracy and automation.

These systems formed the fourth and outermost layer of India’s air defence during Operation Sindoor. Tasked with detecting and eliminating aerial threats at extended ranges, this layer ensured that India’s skies were protected long before danger could come close.

At the heart of this layer is the S-400 Triumf, a long-range air defence system that brings a powerful edge to India’s defence doctrine. Capable of tracking and neutralising high-altitude threats—including enemy aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles—the S-400 plays a critical role in securing aerial dominance and strategic deterrence.

The legacy of Operation Sindoor goes beyond territorial defence—it's a story of technology, preparedness, and strategic deterrence. As India continues to modernise its aerial shield, every citizen can take pride in the arsenal that silently guards our skies.

In today’s evolving threat landscape, understanding India’s layered air defence system is more important than ever. That’s where Unfolded by Pankaj P Singh comes in—a simplified walkthrough of India’s modern military might. Now available with signed copies on Fauji Days!!