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India.com
26-05-2025
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: Key Lessons India Must Learn To Tackle Modern Warfare Threats
New Delhi: The successful Operation Sindoor serves important lessons – which India can learn – especially with regard to the evolving nature of warfare and defense systems. One of the important lessons the military offensive gave is the changing nature battlefield. It exposed that traditional defense systems are vulnerable to drone attacks. Increasing reliance on drones for intelligence gathering, surveillance and precision strikes shows the dynamics of modern warfare seems to have changed in recent years. This trend became apparent during the operation, where Pakistan tried to heavily use drones to bypass India's advanced defense systems. Most notably during the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, the world witnessed the increasing role of drones in modern warfare. Operation Sindoor too mirrored the same trend, as drones posed a unique challenge – especially when deployed at low altitudes or in swarms. Drones proved to be effective and difficult-to-counter weapon despite India's formidable defense systems like Akashteer and S-400 air defense systems. It highlights gaps in existing technologies. Limitations of S-400 System Considered one of the world's most advanced air defense systems, India's S-400 successfully neutralised numerous high-altitude threats – including Pakistan's F-16 and J-17 fighter jets. The S-400 is, however, not designed to neutralize low-altitude and smaller aerial threats like drones. This gap became stark as Pakistan launched hundreds of drone attacks during the recent conflict. While India's brave soldiers managed to bring down several drones using air defense guns, the challenge remains – traditional defense systems are not equipped to deal with drones effectively. This vulnerability became clear after a 2021 incident when a Pakistani drone attacked Jammu Air Force Station by dropping an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) on the airport. Though the attack resulted into no significant damage, it served as a stark reminder of the emerging threats posed by drone technology. Need for a Counter-RAM System In view of the growing threat posed by low-flying missiles and drones, experts say that India must increasingly develop Mortar (C-RAM), artillery and counter-rocket systems in order to protect its critical military infrastructure. Much like Israel's Iron Dome, a C-RAM system is specifically designed to counter threats – which come at high speed and from low altitudes. The C-RAM systems use rapid-fire weapons to neutralise incoming projectiles – including drones, in real time, before they can inflict damage. Several countries across world, including Israel and the United States, have effectively deployed such systems. For instance, the Iron Dome has been instrumental in finding and destroying rockets fired by Hamas. It provided an example of how C-RAM systems can effectively shield civilian and military targets from modern threats. Adaptation of Future Conflicts Operation Sindoor has demonstrated that though India's defense capabilities are formidable, modern warfare requires constant adaptation to new technologies and emerging threats. The use of drones by Pakistan showed that high-impact and low-cost weapons can bypass traditional defense systems. It was once considered invulnerable. India – with an aim to stay ahead of evolving threats – must enhance its ability to respond to aerial threats at all altitudes and develop countermeasures such as C-RAM systems. The operation's experience highlights a crucial point: in an era of rapidly changing warfare, defense strategies must evolve with technological advancements. The lessons learned from this operation are invaluable as India prepares for future challenges on its borders. The ability to anticipate and counter emerging threats like drones will define the success of future military operations.
India.com
26-05-2025
- Politics
- India.com
What is C-RAM system and why India wants to deploy it? Operation Sindoor revealed..., even though S-400...
(File) New Delhi: In response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India launched 'Operation Sindoor', which was very successful. However, this operation also revealed that India needs to prepare further to deal with drone attacks. While India inflicted significant damage on Pakistan's military and terrorist infrastructure, the use of drones by Pakistan during the operation exposed the limitations of our aerial security. Therefore, experts say that India needs a C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) system. This system will prove to be quite helpful in dealing with aerial threats like drones. Operation Sindoor Operation Sindoor began on May 6-7 in which India destroyed 9 terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Following this, Pakistan began attempts to target Indian military and residential areas. India thwarted the Pakistani attacks and destroyed 11 of its airbases in retaliation. India used BrahMos and Akash missiles during this period. Meanwhile, Pakistan's F-18 and J-17 fighter jets were also destroyed. On May 10, India agreed to a ceasefire request from Pakistan after four days. Need for new drone defense systems There is no doubt that India's missile defense system has successfully thwarted Pakistani attacks. During 'Operation Sindoor,' Pakistan attempted to target us with hundreds of drones made in China and Turkey. Defense experts believe that Pakistan's relentless drone attacks have exposed the limits of our air defense. India possesses air defense systems like the S-400, purchased from Russia, which is considered one of the best air defense systems in the world. Additionally, India has its Akash air defense system and other protective measures that performed excellently during Operation Sindoor. However, defense experts feel that all these air defense systems are primarily designed to defend against attacks from missiles, fighter jets, and rockets, and they are effective in preventing such attacks. Yet, there is a need for something else to defend against low-altitude drone attacks. C-RAM system India has an urgent need to develop a C-RAM (Counter Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar) system to deal with low-altitude aerial threats. Such systems would further enhance the security of military bases along the border. The report states that during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched missiles manufactured in China. The S-400 system successfully intercepted them. However, it faced difficulties in detecting and destroying small drones. Pakistan used drones made in Turkey and China which were neutralised by the Indian Armed Forces with air defense guns. C-RAM systems are designed to destroy low-altitude threats such as rockets, artillery shells, mortars, and drones, similar to the U.S. Phalanx or Israeli Iron Dome.
News18
26-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Operation Sindoor: What Is The C-RAM System India Needs To Destroy Aerial Threats
Last Updated: According to the report, during Operation Sindoor, India's S-400 intercepted Chinese-made missiles from Pakistan but struggled to counter smaller drones, exposing a key gap Operation Sindoor, launched by India in response to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, has revealed a critical vulnerability in the country's defence preparedness—the ability to counter drone warfare. While India inflicted heavy damage on Pakistan's military and terror infrastructure, the extensive use of drones during the operation reportedly highlighted gaps in existing air defence systems. The operation began on May 6–7 with India destroying nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This triggered a series of cross-border strikes over the next two nights, with India intercepting Pakistani attacks and launching retaliatory strikes that destroyed 11 airbases. The intense exchange eventually led both sides to agree to a ceasefire on May 10. India's missile defence systems effectively intercepted Pakistani attacks, while retaliatory strikes using advanced weapons like the BrahMos missile destroyed Pakistani airbases and fighter jets, including F-18s and J-17s. Actually, India currently has air defense systems like the Russian-made S-400. It is counted among the most advanced air defense systems in the world. Apart from this, India has its own Akash air defense system and other defense shields. But, all these defense shields protect against attacks like missiles, fighter jets, rockets. But, there is no defense shield to protect against drone attacks. A glimpse of this was seen during hundreds of drone attacks carried out by Pakistan during Operation Sindoor. Defence experts noted that the extensive use of drones during the operation—echoing patterns observed in the Ukraine-Russia conflict—reportedly exposed key vulnerabilities in India's air defence systems. A report by underscores the urgent need for India to develop a Counter-Rocket, Artillery, and Mortar (C-RAM) system to strengthen defence against low-altitude aerial threats. Implementing such systems would significantly enhance the security of key military installations along the border. According to the report, during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan launched Chinese-made missiles into Indian territory, which were successfully intercepted by the S-400 system. While these defences proved effective against conventional aerial threats, they faced challenges in detecting and neutralising smaller drones. The report suggested that Pakistan extensively deployed Turkish and Chinese-made drones, exposing limitations in India's current systems. Although Indian troops managed to shoot down many of these drones using air defence guns, the risk remains—underscored by the 2021 attack on the Jammu Air Force Station, where a low-flying Pakistani drone dropped IEDs undetected. What Is C-RAM According to the report, a C-RAM system—similar to the American Flex or the Israeli Iron Dome—is designed to precisely neutralise low-altitude threats such as rockets, artillery shells, mortars and drones. Several countries have already adopted such systems, with the Iron Dome notably intercepting a high volume of rocket attacks from Hamas with remarkable success. The report suggests that implementing a similar system would greatly enhance India's defence capabilities against emerging aerial threats. First Published:
India Gazette
19-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Gun systems L-70, Zu-23, Schilka extremely effective in thwarting Pakistan's drone swarm attacks: Top Army Air Defence officer
New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Air defence gun systems played a crucial role in neutralising drone swarm threats from Pakistan, with a top Army official describing their performance as 'extremely effective.' Following the success of Operation Sindoor, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of the Army Air Defence, underlined how India's decision to retain and upgrade its gun-based air defence system proved to be a strategic advantage. In an exclusive interview with ANI, when asked which weapon system emerged as the hero of the conflict, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, 'It is indisputable that the air defence gun system has been extremely effective. We in the army have to thank my predecessors. Unlike other countries, which started moving away from guns into the realm of missiles, the Indian Army held on to its guns.' He added that even the next-generation gun system, set to begin trials in July, reflects the enduring importance of guns in modern air defence. 'Even our successor gun, which is to come up for trials in July, we realised over some time that the gun is an irrepressible form of air defence. Whether it's the L-70, the Zu, the Shilka, or even an LMG or MMG in ACAC role, which the infantry has, is going to make a huge difference as far as drone destruction goes.' When asked about the effectiveness of the guns, the officer said that estimating that they brought down 60 per cent of the drones would be a 'reasonable assumption.' 'In a span of four days, Pakistan sent -- large, small, and medium-sized drones, anything between maybe 800 to 1000, across the whole western border, and all UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) drones carrying payloads aimed at civilian targets were intercepted, preventing any civilian casualties,' he said. 'The proof of the pudding is that there were no civilian casualties,' Lt Gen D'Cunha noted. 'But this is something that we've got to be very, very careful of in the coming years ahead because if this is a form of conflict, then our civil population areas are as important, if not more than, anybody else's border,' he added. In response to questions about protecting urban and civilian areas, Lt Gen D'Cunha stressed the need to evolve India's air defence strategy to protect not just military and VVIP zones but also population centres, especially those near the borders. He cited international models like the US C-RAM system and Israel's Iron Dome, which are specifically designed to protect civilian infrastructure from aerial threats. 'The US has a very interesting system called the C-RAM. It is counter to rockets, artillery and mortars. So, they have a gun that fires at about 4,500 rounds per minute, and are largely in population centers. So they are meant to protect population centers. The Iron Dome is another concept and a form of population center protection,' he said. When asked whether India has now joined the elite club of nations with fully integrated and automated air defence command and control capabilities, Lt Gen D'Cunha was cautious in his assessment and said, 'There's tremendous work in progress that is required. While we have been successful in tackling the current challenge, we must not rest on our achievements.' He called for a robust, multi-layered air defence system that can detect, identify, and neutralise enemy drones swiftly. 'To truly dominate this domain, we need to expand our detection systems, include more and better types of sensors, and rapidly disseminate information across command networks to ensure interdiction occurs as far forward as possible. So that you can make sure that you bring them down in as many numbers as come. A very minuscule number will be able to cross. If you've got a couple of layers.' While the Akash series of missile systems has proven effective against larger aerial threats like UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft, Lt Gen D'Cunha admitted it still needs refinement to handle smaller drones, which played a key role in the recent conflict. 'The Akash-Thir system hasn't yet been fully configured to handle the drone warfare domain. We must evolve our drone management systems accordingly.' He also revealed that Pakistan had used Kamikaze drones in the conflict, but failed to cause damage due to India's preparedness. Pakistan first sent cheap drones in large numbers to low altitudes to saturate the radar system. Still, the Army had anticipated the drone threat and conducted a simulation exercise on April 26-28 to prepare for potential drone attacks. India's Operation Sindoor showcased its preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies. The operation highlighted India's integrated command structures, enabling seamless coordination between different military branches. Operation Sindoor reflected India's 'Shishupala Doctrine,' which involves exercising patience until a predefined threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. (ANI)
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Gun systems L-70, Zu-23, Schilka extremely effective in thwarting Pakistan's drone swarm attacks: Top Army Air Defence officer
Air defence gun systems played a crucial role in neutralising drone swarm threats from Pakistan, with a top Army official describing their performance as "extremely effective." Following the success of Operation Sindoor , Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D'Cunha, Director General of the Army Air Defence, underlined how India's decision to retain and upgrade its gun-based air defence system proved to be a strategic advantage. In an exclusive interview with ANI, when asked which weapon system emerged as the hero of the conflict, Lt Gen D'Cunha said, "It is indisputable that the air defence gun system has been extremely effective. We in the army have to thank my predecessors. Unlike other countries, which started moving away from guns into the realm of missiles, the Indian Army held on to its guns." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo He added that even the next-generation gun system, set to begin trials in July, reflects the enduring importance of guns in modern air defence. "Even our successor gun, which is to come up for trials in July, we realised over some time that the gun is an irrepressible form of air defence. Whether it's the L-70, the Zu, the Shilka, or even an LMG or MMG in ACAC role, which the infantry has, is going to make a huge difference as far as drone destruction goes." When asked about the effectiveness of the guns, the officer said that estimating that they brought down 60 per cent of the drones would be a "reasonable assumption." Live Events "In a span of four days, Pakistan sent -- large, small, and medium-sized drones, anything between maybe 800 to 1000, across the whole western border, and all UCAV (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) drones carrying payloads aimed at civilian targets were intercepted, preventing any civilian casualties," he said. "The proof of the pudding is that there were no civilian casualties," Lt Gen D'Cunha noted. "But this is something that we've got to be very, very careful of in the coming years ahead because if this is a form of conflict, then our civil population areas are as important, if not more than, anybody else's border," he added. In response to questions about protecting urban and civilian areas, Lt Gen D'Cunha stressed the need to evolve India's air defence strategy to protect not just military and VVIP zones but also population centres, especially those near the borders. He cited international models like the US C-RAM system and Israel's Iron Dome, which are specifically designed to protect civilian infrastructure from aerial threats. "The US has a very interesting system called the C-RAM. It is counter to rockets, artillery and mortars. So, they have a gun that fires at about 4,500 rounds per minute, and are largely in population centers. So they are meant to protect population centers. The Iron Dome is another concept and a form of population center protection," he said. When asked whether India has now joined the elite club of nations with fully integrated and automated air defence command and control capabilities, Lt Gen D'Cunha was cautious in his assessment and said, "There's tremendous work in progress that is required. While we have been successful in tackling the current challenge, we must not rest on our achievements." He called for a robust, multi-layered air defence system that can detect, identify, and neutralise enemy drones swiftly. "To truly dominate this domain, we need to expand our detection systems, include more and better types of sensors, and rapidly disseminate information across command networks to ensure interdiction occurs as far forward as possible. So that you can make sure that you bring them down in as many numbers as come. A very minuscule number will be able to cross. If you've got a couple of layers." While the Akash series of missile systems has proven effective against larger aerial threats like UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft, Lt Gen D'Cunha admitted it still needs refinement to handle smaller drones, which played a key role in the recent conflict. "The Akash-Thir system hasn't yet been fully configured to handle the drone warfare domain. We must evolve our drone management systems accordingly." He also revealed that Pakistan had used Kamikaze drones in the conflict, but failed to cause damage due to India's preparedness. Pakistan first sent cheap drones in large numbers to low altitudes to saturate the radar system. Still, the Army had anticipated the drone threat and conducted a simulation exercise on April 26-28 to prepare for potential drone attacks. India's Operation Sindoor showcased its preparedness in modern warfare, particularly in neutralising drones and other advanced technologies. The operation highlighted India's integrated command structures, enabling seamless coordination between different military branches. Operation Sindoor reflected India's "Shishupala Doctrine," which involves exercising patience until a predefined threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action.
