Target locked: India's homebuilt weapons outclass Chinese imports

Economic Times

4 days ago

Navbharat Times Chinese systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 are not as tested or dependable as their Western or Russian counterparts.
India defeated Pakistan on the battlefield—but also beat China in a technology war, says John Spencer, a US military expert and chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. In his detailed analysis on X, Spencer described Operation Sindoor as a strategic and technological milestone, marking the debut of India's sovereign defence arsenal.
'Operation Sindoor pitted India's indigenously developed weapons systems against Chinese-supplied platforms fielded by Pakistan. What unfolded was not just retaliation but the strategic debut of a sovereign arsenal built under the twin doctrines of Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat,' Spencer said.
Also Read: China's deafening silence on arms sent to Pakistan comes amid desi roar of Indian firepowerIndia, Spencer said, fought as a sovereign power with precise and domestically developed tools. In contrast, Pakistan acted as a proxy, dependent on Chinese systems built primarily for export.'India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence. When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad's defence posture,' he added.
Also Read: AI vs Nukes: How China's new tech could shake up global arms controlIndia's military edge came from a wide range of indigenously developed systems. These included the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, Akash surface-to-air missile system, Akashteer air defence command system, Rudram anti-radiation missile, Netra AEW&C aircraft, and a suite of loitering munitions like SkyStriker and Harop.Spencer noted, 'India's transformation into a modern defence power began in 2014, when PM Modi launched the 'Make in India' initiative. Within a few years, systems like the BrahMos missile, K9 Vajra howitzer, and AK-203 rifle were being produced inside India—many with technology partnerships but increasing domestic control.'In the air, India's Rafale jets, Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s led the charge, flying under the support of Netra AEW&C and neutralising enemy air defences using Rudram missiles. These jets launched deep strikes with SCALP and Meteor missiles, gaining and retaining airspace control.
India's key indigenous systems were critical to battlefield success. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile: Jointly developed with Russia but largely made in India, this missile flew at Mach 3 and struck hardened enemy bunkers and radar stations with precision.
Akash SAM and Akashteer System: All-weather mobile air defence was paired with AI-based command and control, intercepting enemy drones, aircraft and cruise missiles.
Rudram Anti-Radiation Missile: India's first of its kind, used to destroy enemy radar installations across the Line of Control.
Netra AEW&C System: Built by DRDO, this airborne system provided real-time tracking of enemy aircraft and missiles, vectoring jets to strike deep inside enemy territory. One Pakistani Saab 2000 AEW&C was reportedly neutralised by a long-range Indian missile.
Loitering Munitions – SkyStriker and Harop: These kamikaze drones silently hovered before destroying key targets, including mobile radars and convoys.
D4S Counter-UAV System: A multi-layer system that used radar, jammers, EO/IR sensors and kinetic action to down dozens of Pakistani drones. India's air forces deployed an impressive fleet. French-built Rafales, Russian-designed Su-30MKIs, and Mirage 2000s executed strikes with SCALP cruise missiles and Meteor air-to-air missiles. Flying under Netra's guidance and supported by Rudram missiles for SEAD missions, these platforms overwhelmed enemy defences. T-72 tanks and M777 howitzers backed ground operations, especially in high-altitude zones. While the M777 came from the US, its integration into Indian doctrine proved vital. Zorawar light tanks, optimised for mountain combat, are in advanced stages of development.Pakistan's military leaned heavily on Chinese imports, including the HQ-9 and HQ-16 SAM systems, LY-80 and FM-90 air defences, and CH-4 drones. The JF-17 Thunder jets, co-developed by China and Pakistan, struggled to hold their ground.'India didn't just win on the battlefield—it won the technology referendum,' Spencer said. He added that Indian systems intercepted and outperformed the Chinese-built platforms, which were unable to prevent Indian strikes or assert air superiority.
Also Read: Lockheed to Boeing: How India's Operation Sindoor may loosen the grip of US defence giants India's push for self-reliance accelerated after the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. Spencer observed that India imposed phased import bans, gave emergency procurement powers to its armed forces, and significantly increased its domestic defence content—from 30% to 65% by 2025.'The goal was clear: reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and build a world-class domestic defence industry. The policy incentivised joint ventures, opened defence to foreign direct investment up to 74%, and encouraged both public and private sector manufacturers,' he wrote.These policies bore fruit on the battlefield—and beyond. Defence stocks in India surged post-Operation Sindoor. Paras Defence & Space rose 49% in May, with other companies like MTAR Technologies and Data Patterns seeing strong investor interest. In contrast, Chinese firms such as AVIC, NORINCO, and CETC saw sharp market declines.Operation Sindoor was more than a military operation. It was a statement. As Spencer put it, 'India showcased the strength of self-reliance in modern warfare, affirming that the vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' holds true even under the most demanding conditions.'The message was clear: India's future defence lies not in imports, but in innovation. And that future is already in play.