Was Kirana Hills targeted? Satellite Imagery Sparks Fresh Speculation After Operation Sindoor
Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows -
1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025
2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 pic.twitter.com/BLOXYB9fKP
July 18, 2025
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Hindu
3 days ago
- The Hindu
Impact of Operation Sindoor, Shubhanshu Shukla: Emerging opportunities in space, defence
The recent Operation Sindoor and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's journey into space have thrown the spotlight on India's space and defence sectors. Both the sectors are strategic to India's 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative. The recent policy initiatives of Central and State governments for promotion of investments from private corporates and setting up a vibrant start-up ecosystem are expected to drive growth in the sectors in the next five years and will offer exciting opportunities for engineering graduates in employment, entrepreneurship, and research. This article presents the current status, synergy between the two sectors, future outlook for them and the opportunities they present to the students. Five-fold growth for space sector The recent success of Shubhanshu Shukla's trip to the International Space Station, launched by the Axiom-4 mission, a collaboration between NASA, Axiom Space, and ISRO, is expected to pave the way to Gaganyaan, India's first human flight mission, expected in 2027. Besides, the Chandrayaan Missions have significantly bolstered India's standing, as a global space power and fueled its ambitious space exploration plans. The sector, currently valued at about $9.5 billion is projected to grow fivefold to reach $44 billion by 2033. Currently, there are over 400 private companies and 350 startups, employing over a lakh employees. Start-ups successful in this space include Skyroot Aerospace, which was the first private Indian company to design, build, and test a solid rocket propulsion stage, and AgniKul Cosmos, which developed the world's first 3D-printed rocket engine. Other significant private entities include Ananth Technologies, Data Patterns , Bellatrix Aerospace, Dhruva Space, Pixxel, Satellize, and Manastu Space and Corporate groups like Godrej and Larsen & Toubro. Govt policy initiatives in aerospace Indian space sector, historically, dominated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has undergone a dramatic transformation , with the introduction of the Indian Space Policy 2023, which enabled entry of private players into the entire spectrum of space activities, including satellite operations, launch vehicle management, and data dissemination. The ISRO will transition to focus primarily on advanced Research and Development (R&D) and will gradually transfer the technologies developed by it to Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) for manufacturing. In order to promote foreign investment, Indian Government has allowed upto 74% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for manufacturing and operation of the satellites. A number of States have launched policies for promotion of Space-Tech related industry activities in the respective states. Defence sector to double India's defence sector, valued at $27.1 billion in 2024, is projected to nearly double to $54.4 billion by 2033. AI-enabled combat and autonomous swarm technologies are seeing accelerated investment, with the domestic drone market, expected to grow to $11 billion by 2030. In the recent years, private sector's participation in defence sector has expanded in a big way, with over 500 companies and 16,000 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) employing over two lakh employees and contributing about 21% of total defence production. They include startups such as Raphe mPhibr and Alpha Design Technologies ,which manufactured the drones used in Operation Sindoor, and large corporate groups such as Adani, Ashok Leyland , Bharat Forge, Godrej, Jindal, Larsen & Toubro, Mahindra and Tata Advanced Systems. After its reported use in Operation Sindoor, the BrahMos missile system has generated good interest in exports, wherein over 14 countries are reported to be in talks with India to acquire the supersonic missile. This marks a strategic leap in India's defence exports, growing at over 19% per year, with a vision of reaching $6 billion in the next five years. Policy initiatives to promote defence The Government of India has launched several initiatives and schemes such as the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), Advanced Defence Technology Innovation (ADITI) and Technology Development Fund (TDF) to promote indigenous development of defence technologies by startups, MSMEs, and academia. The defence sector's growth is further accelerated by the establishment of defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, designed to promote indigenous production and create a nurturing ground for startups. A number of State governments, including Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have unveiled policies to promote investments and create employments in the sector. Synergy between defence and space Operation Sindoor showcased the significance of the synergy and convergence between these two technologies, wherein satellite-aided drone interception played a significant role in the success of the mission. With this backdrop, the government is accelerating its space-based surveillance capabilities by launching 52 dedicated defence satellites by 2029, reflecting formal integration of space into national defence strategy. Both sectors are critical pillars of national security. Space assets provide crucial Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities, enabling real-time situational awareness over adversary territories and critical regions like the Indian Ocean. The strategic synergy is characterized by shared dual-use technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber security, drones, and advanced satellite systems, fostering interdependencies and collaborative environments crucial for national security and broader economic development. The development of advanced materials, such as titanium alloys and super alloys by companies like Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI) serves both missile and spacecraft components. Propulsion engineers design and test engine components for both aircraft and space launch vehicles. This convergence fosters a symbiotic relationship, leading to a more robust and self-reliant technological base for the nation. Collaboration between academia, industry and research agencies Industry-premier research centres-academia collaboration is a cornerstone of India's strategy for promotion of innovation and manufacturing excellence. The collaboration between ISRO and DRDO, and their engagement with private industry and academia, allows for shared knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise. Government policies explicitly emphasise fostering these linkages to enhance the overall ecosystem. The iDEX and the Technology Development Fund (TDF) initiative actively engages R&D institutes and academia to develop innovative defence technologies. Establishment of Incubation Centres is critical for nurturing talent and fostering advanced research. IN-SPACe aims to establish technical incubation centers for startups, providing technical assistance and handholding. DIAT, Pune, has successfully incubated companies, demonstrating the practical outcomes of such initiatives. Opportunities for HEIs India's higher education system has been swiftly responding to the growing industry demand in both the sectors introducing new branches and courses of engineering in space and defence technologies. The Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST), Trivandrum offers in Aerospace Engineering and in Aerodynamics and Flight Mechanics to meet national R&D requirements. Specialised government institutions such as the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT), Pune, and Rashtriya Raksha University, Gujarat, offer defence-focused courses such as Missile Technology and Drone Technology, UAV systems and electronic warfare. Other prominent institutions such as the IITs and NITs also offer aerospace engineering courses, and minors in Space Technology and Defence Electronics, combining satellite design, control systems, and sensor integration to prepare the engineering graduates for diverse roles, like satellite systems engineers, propulsion engineers, space scientists, and data analysts. Recently, major private higher institutional groups such as Symbiosis, Amity and Manipal have launched Under-Graduate, Post-Graduate and integrated programs in defence and aerospace technologies, whereas some institutions are offering them, as minor branches, along with major branches in core engineering disciplines and Computer Science. Some of them offer programs in collaboration with the nodal agencies such as the ISRO, DRDO and HAL. Opportunities for collaborative research Collaborative Research Programs are integral to the major national missions. The Gaganyaan program, for instance, is a national effort designed to involve significant participation from academia and national agencies, establishing a broad framework for collaboration between ISRO, academia, industry, and other scientific organizations. The ISRO has set up nine Space Technology Cells at premiere institutions, such as the IISc and the seven IITs, and started a Joint Research Programme with Savitribai Phule Pune University. The DRDO has set up research labs at IISc Bangalore in avionics, space systems, and drone tech and established a Centre of Excellence at IIT, Hyderabad, with a focus on advanced additive manufacturing. The Department of Science and Technology, ISRO and DRDO have been offering a number of schemes for academic research in cutting edge areas of technologies. Employment pathways The burgeoning defence and space sectors offer a wide array of employment opportunities for fresh engineering graduates across various organizations and specialized roles. Besides Armed Forces, government and public sector organisations, large corporates and start ups have been recruiting the fresh engineering graduates. India's space and defence sectors are going through an unprecedented transformation, driven by ambitious growth trajectories, robust policy support, and a strategic shift towards indigenous innovation and increased private sector participation. This dynamic evolution is creating an expanding landscape of opportunities for fresh engineering graduates, in terms of employment as well as entrepreneurship. More than just career paths, they offer a unique chance to be at the forefront of technological advancement, contributing directly to India's journey towards technological sovereignty and global leadership. Now, it is up to the Higher Educational Institutions to groom the students by introducing appropriate inter-disciplinary courses and take up research in collaboration with the industry and the premier research agencies such as the ISRO and DRDO. (Prof O. R. S. Rao is the Chancellor of the ICFAI University, Sikkim. Views are personal)
India.com
6 days ago
- India.com
Was Kirana Hills targeted? Satellite Imagery Sparks Fresh Speculation After Operation Sindoor
Fresh satellite images analysed by a leading geo-intelligence expert have reignited speculation over whether Kirana Hills, a highly sensitive facility linked to Pakistan's nuclear programme, was targeted during India's Operation Sindoor in May 2025. Imagery update from Google Earth of the Sargodha region, Pakistan, captured in June 2025, shows - 1 - the impact location of India's strike on Kirana Hills in May 2025 2 - repaired runways at Sargodha airbase post India's strikes in May 2025 July 18, 2025
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
18-07-2025
- First Post
Akash Prime: How India's latest weapon system strengthens its arsenal and sends signal to China and Pakistan
Akash Prime is a high-altitude version of the indigenously-designed and developed Akash surface-to-air missile system. The missile is designed to operate in extremely cold weather and at high-altitudes – above 14,000 feet. It features several upgrades including an indigenously-developed radio frequency seeker. The test, which comes after Operation Sindoor, is a message to both China and Pakistan. Let's take a closer look read more The Akash Prime weapons system was successfully test-fired at Ladakh. PTI India successfully test fired its new version of the Akash surface-to-air missile system. The new weapon, known as Akash Prime, was tested at Ladakh. Manufactured by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash surface-to-air missile system's performance was lauded during Operation Sindoor – which India conducted in response to the Pahalgam terror attack. It is a medium-range surface-to-air missile system that can take out fighters, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles. What is Akash Prime? What do we know about the upgraded missile? And why is it successful test-firing significant? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Let's take a closer look What is it? What happened? Akash Prime is a high-altitude version of the indigenously-designed and developed Akash surface-to-air missile system. The missile is designed to operate in extremely cold weather and at high-altitudes – above 14,000 feet. It features several upgrades including an indigenously-developed radio frequency seeker. This not only increases the Akash Prime's accuracy, but also afford it 360-degree capability to engage with enemy missiles. It also has a modified ground systems and radars that gives it a 30-kilometre radius. A staff cleans Akash, a medium-range mobile surface-to-air missile defense system developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The Akash played a significant role in Operation Sindoor, thwarting Pakistan's rain of drones and missiles. File image/AFP New Delhi is also testing the Prithvi-II and Agni-I missiles. That compares favourably to the 25-kilometre radius of the Akash weapon system. It is mounted on a mobile platform, which allows it to be deployed quickly. The Army Air Defence and DRDO conducted the test on Wednesday at an altitude of over 15,000 feet. The test was conducted in the presence of Indian Army and industry officials. The missiles successfully took out two quick-moving aerial targets. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said, 'Based on the operational feedbacks from users, various upgrades are made to improve the operational effectiveness, demonstrating the advantage of the ecosystem created for the indigenous weapon system.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Its first test occurred on September 27, 2021, at Chandipur's Integrated Test Range. Why is it successful test-firing significant? This is a message to both China and Pakistan. India during Operation Sindoor used the Akash system to shoot down Pakistan's Chinese-made drones and Turkish-made loitering munitions. India, which has had border conflicts with both nations, has designed the Akash system to specifically function at high altitudes. Army Air Defence is now raising two regiments of Akash Prime system – which will likely be the third and fourth regiments in India's Akash defence system. It will be deployed along the border and mountainous areas and could prove an effective deterrence for both China and Pakistan. The Akash Prime surface-to-air system isn't the only one being prepped. India is also working on its Akash NG (Next-generation) variant. Both these short-range ballistic missiles were successfully test-fired from Odisha's Integrated Test Range by Strategic Forces Command (SFC) on Thursday. 'Short-Range Ballistic Missiles - Prithvi-II and Agni-I - were successfully test-fired from the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha on July 17, 2025,' the Defence Ministry said in a statement. 'The launches validated all operational and technical parameters. These tests were conducted under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The SFC controls India's nuclear assets under the triad – the Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force. The Agni-I is a two-stage solid propellant missile. It is nuclear capable and has a range of around 700 kilometres to 900 kilometres. It can be launched by road and rail and can carry a payload of 1,000 kilos. The Prithvi-II, meanwhile, has a range of around 250 to 300 kilometres. It uses a liquid propulsion system and advanced inertial navigation technology that allows it to efficiently take out its targets. It was developed by the DRDO under India's Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), which was launched in 1982 by the defence ministry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Defence exports surged from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24 –a 30-fold increase over the past decade. PTI The Prithvi-II can carry both conventional and nuclear warheads. Unlike the Agni-I, it uses a liquid propulsion system. It is equipped with advanced inertial navigation technology for precision targeting. Some say this constitutes some strategic messaging to Pakistan soon after Operation Sindoor. It is also yet another string in India's impressive bow of weapons when it comes to air defence and gives a fillip to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' push. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Some countries including Brazil, Philippines and Egypt have also expressed interest in the Akash system after seeing its impressive performance during the conflict. Armenia earlier purchased the Akash weapons system. This would give a fillip to India's defence exports, which has already seen a 30-fold increase over the past decade – from Rs 686 crore in FY 2013-14 to Rs 21,083 crore in FY 2023-24. Defence exports grew from Rs 4,312 crore in the 2004-14 decade to Rs 88,319 crore in the 2014-24 decade – a 21-fold increase. With inputs from agencies
