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India Today
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Today
How Op Sindoor exposed Pakistan air defence, Chinese armaments
India's decisive strategic and operational triumph in Operation Sindoor has laid bare critical weaknesses in Pakistan's military, which is heavily reliant on Chinese-supplied technology. A month after the conflict, which ended with Pakistan seeking a ceasefire within four days, a critical review of the operation has highlighted the inadequacy of Pakistan's air defence systems, particularly the Chinese-made HQ-9 and HQ-16, against India's advanced missile technology and electronic warfare observers claim Pakistan's $3 million-per-unit HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system, touted as a cornerstone of its air defence, failed miserably to detect or intercept India's BrahMos and SCALP defence analysts and social media lambasted Pakistani personnel as 'mute spectators', pointing to operational inefficiencies and lack of skill as key contributors to the also established that Indian forces, leveraging superior missile technology, satellite intelligence and electronic warfare, penetrated Pakistan's defences with ease, targeting key military installations. Indian loitering munitions humiliated Pakistan's air defence network by destroying several HQ-9 batteries, exacerbating losses of fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, drones and radar sites On May 15, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) admitted that the BrahMos missile's unpredictable trajectory rendered it nearly impossible to intercept, a statement echoed by Chinese Communist Party outlets. The HQ-9's failure stemmed from technical limitations, poor integration into Pakistan's defence network and inadequate operator analysts have criticised Pakistan's deployment of the HQ-9 air defence system, citing inadequate training, poor network integration, and lack of real-time coordination as key factors in its failure. The HQ-9's design, influenced by older Russian systems like the S-300, has raised concerns about its reliability against modern, high-speed upgrades, the system underperformed against Indian missile technology, sparking doubts about Chinese defence exports' credibility and the HQ-9's effectiveness in high-intensity critique highlights the challenges of deploying advanced defence systems, particularly when training and integration are inadequate. The HQ-9's performance has implications for China's defence export reputation and the system's viability in modern warfare HQ-9B, with a reduced engagement range of 250-300 km, and the truck-mounted HQ-16, with limited mobility, proved ill-equipped to counter supersonic, low-flying missiles like the BrahMos. These shortcomings echo past failures, including India's unopposed 2019 Balakot airstrike and a 2022 incident where a BrahMos missile, accidentally fired by India, penetrated deep into Pakistani territory Sindoor also saw India's air defence systems and electronic warfare capabilities neutralise Pakistan's drone fleet, crippling its offensive and surveillance operations. In response, Pakistan is planning to bolster its drone arsenal with Chinese Wing Loong series combat drones, aiming to establish a dedicated drone by the defeat, Pakistan is aggressively pursuing military modernisation, doubling down on Chinese and Turkish technology while diversifying with a $9 billion arms deal with Russia. The proposed Russian package includes tanks, air defence systems, warships, Mi-26T2 combat helicopters, and possibly MiG-35 fighter is also set to acquire China's HQ-19 ballistic missile defence system and 40 J-35A stealth fighters starting 2026, alongside efforts to improve operator training and coordination to address multi-layered HQ-9's dismal performance has not only exposed Pakistan's operational deficiencies but also dented China's reputation as a reliable arms exporter. Modelled partly on Russia's S-300, the HQ-9 and its variants have been questioned for their effectiveness against modern, high-speed, precision-guided missiles, raising doubts about their reliability in high-intensity dominance in Operation Sindoor underscores its technological and strategic edge even as Pakistan scrambles to rebuild its shattered defences. The conflict serves as a warning to nations relying on Chinese military hardware as India's advanced capabilities continue to reshape the regional power to India Today MagazineTune InMust Watch
India Today
5 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Why China engages in diplomacy of silence on Pakistan
Beijing recently declined to comment on the performance of Chinese missiles used by Pakistan in the recent conflict with India. This may seem like a routine diplomatic brush-off, but the silence speaks to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China is the world's fourth-largest arms exporter, and publicly acknowledging the substandard performance of Chinese weapon systems might have affected China's growing defence export ambitions, particularly in western Africa, Latin America and Southeast widely known, any public acknowledgement of arms supplies to Pakistan could have also drawn criticism from India and international watchdogs, for "indirectly" fuelling conflict in South Asia by strengthening Islamabad. Notably, Pakistan is among China's oldest and most consistent arms clients, with strategic cooperation between the two deepening after the Sino-Indian war of 1962. According to SIPRI data, over 81% of Pakistan's arms imports between 2020 and 2024 came from the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, the latter deployed a slew of Chinese weapons, such as the HQ-9 and HQ-16 air defence systems, PL-15E long-range air-to-air missiles, J-10CE and JF-17 fighter jets, among now India is calling out this military nexus on global platforms. During India's diplomatic outreach to key international partners, which included UN Security Council members, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, part of a delegation to the Americas, took this up in Bogota, is a polite word. Much of it is not for defence but for attack," said Tharoor, referring to Chinese arms supplied to has always been an impudent, assertive neighbour — one which refuses to acknowledge responsibility or comment on arms supplies to Pakistan, even as it continues open and unrepentant defence dealings with diplomacy of silence on the issue is a bid to portray its multiple roles: that of a military supplier, a so-called neutral diplomatic voice on paper, and a dominant regional player in the Asia-Pacific being described as Islamabad's "all-weather friend", Beijing has historically avoided overtly backing Pakistan during escalations with India. In fact, it has only issued direct warnings once — in the 1965 India-Pakistan War, (on September 16, 1965), when it threatened India to dismantle all military installations on or over the China-Sikkim boundary within three days or face "serious consequences", The Indian Express reported, quoting documents accessed from the United States State Department archives and declassified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, China took a more cautious line, calling the "happenings in Pakistan" an internal matter that should be resolved by the Pakistani people, without foreign the 1999 Kargil War, China urged restraint from both India and Pakistan, and avoided blaming either party — a stance well-documented by many defence latest example of this diplomacy of silence came during the monthly defence ministry media briefing that was held in the last week of May 2025, when Chinese defence ministry spokesperson Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang played down the reports of India recovering an unexploded PL-15E, a radar-guided beyond visual range missile, stated to be the most advanced rocket of its kind produced by merely commented that the missiles in question were "export equipment" that had been "displayed at exhibitions globally". He added, "India and Pakistan are neighbours that cannot be moved away", and urged both sides to exercise "calm and restraint".Notably, he reiterated China's willingness to play a "constructive role" in preserving regional peace — a language mirroring Beijing's official stance during previous Indo-Pakistani tensions in 1971 and Beijing is neither confirming nor denying such claims about its defence systems during the latest India-Pakistan are many layers to this expert Major General Yash Mor (Retired) says, "China has long described its relationship with Pakistan as 'higher than mountains, deeper than seas, and sweeter than honey'. Meanwhile, deep-seated distrust issues also persist between India and China, particularly in the aftermath of the Doklam standoff of 2017 and the Galwan clashes of 2020-2021. And China's cartographic assertions, such as its claims over parts of Arunachal Pradesh, underscore ongoing tensions. But there were de-escalations at the LAC at the same time."advertisement"One must note that China does not actively position itself against India on matters like cross-border terrorism or India-Pakistan relations. However, Beijing was displeased with India's abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir. India's opposition to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through POK has also caused some friction — though India's opposition was limited to formal protests only," Major General Yash Mor (Retired) tells India Today the idea behind the silence, as many experts agree, may be its commercial interests."China prefers to operate quietly, focusing on building alliances rather than making grandiose statements. The Chinese leadership maintains a measured and restrained approach, rarely issuing public remarks. Its state-controlled media offer little insight, and when statements do emerge, they typically pertain to dealings with the US or QUAD-related matters. As part of its broader strategic relationships, China supplies weapons to several countries, including Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. However, its primary objective remains trade, not arming nations to escalate conflict, as the US and Russia did during the Cold War," Major General Yash Mor (Retired) strategic silence has helped Beijing maintain diplomatic channels with India despite tensions, and has allowed it to avoid direct entanglement in South Asia's most volatile border dispute between two nuclear the same time, for the nations beyond its neighbourhood, China has repeatedly portrayed its image of a peace-loving and responsible diplomat Zhang Heqing, citing foreign minister Wang Yi, echoed the same."According to Wang Yi, on the issue of peace and security, China is the major country with the best record in the world. Since the founding of New China, it has never initiated a war or participated in a war of aggression. It has always been a firm defender of world peace," Heqing wrote on X, in long-maintained measured stance reinforces its strategy of ambiguity and distance — designed more to preserve influence than to take with India emerging as a key player in the Indo-Pacific region and a member of the Quad alliance, China is cautious not to provoke further alignment between New Delhi and the is armed by China, but not always politically shielded by it during India-Pakistan military escalations. The partnership seemingly operates in a grey area — legal, yet behind the it may not have the image of a peacemaker in New Delhi and the West, it's definitely a pacemaker for a rogue state like Pakistan, and keeps the pot hot, if not boiling, in South its diplomacy of silence, it plays the main power broker in South InTrending Reel
India Today
16-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Akashteer: India's invisible shield that beat Pak's imported missiles and drones
As Pakistan launched its deadliest attack on several Indian military installations and civilian areas on the nights of May 9 and 10, Akashteer, India's advanced air defence system, emerged as an invisible shield, intercepting and neutralising a barrage of missiles and is India's fully indigenous and automated air defence control and reporting system. It showcased India's dominance in real-time and automated air defence warfare during the four-day military confrontation with relied on imported HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems that could not avoid Akashteer, which did not roar like a fighter jet or flash like a missile. It just listened, calculated and provides a common and real-time air picture to all involved parties (control room, radars and defence gun), enabling coordinated air defence operations. It is a system designed to automate detection, tracking and engagement of enemy aircraft, drones and integrates various radar systems, sensors and communication technologies into a single operational gathers data from multiple sources, processes it and allows for automated and real-time engagement decisions. It is part of the broader C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) framework, working in coordination with other systems. The system is vehicle-based, which makes it mobile and easier to handle in a hostile traditional air defence models that rely on ground-based radars and manual decisions, Akashteer enables autonomous monitoring of low-level airspace in battle zones and efficient control of ground-based air defence weapon integration of multiple elements reduces the possibility of friendly fire, allowing rapid engagement of hostile targets while ensuring the protection of aircraft in contested airspace. The sensors integrated include the tactical control radar REPORTER, 3D tactical control radars, low-level lightweight radar and the Akash weapon system connects smoothly with IACCS (Indian Air Force) and TRIGUN (Indian Navy), creating a clear and real-time picture of the battlefield. This enables the quick and effective use of both offensive and defensive Akashteer, there is a much lower risk of accidentally hitting friendly targets. It improves situational awareness and allows for precise, powerful across the world are calling Akashteer a "seismic shift in warfare strategy". With this system, India has entered the elite club of nations with fully integrated, automated air defence command and control capability. It doesn't just see faster - it decides faster, and it strikes faster than anything fielded is India's answer to asymmetric warfare, hybrid threats and cross-border terrorism. Its successful use in neutralising Pakistan's offensive during Operation Sindoor stands as proof that India's future lies not in imported platforms, but in its own Sindoor was launched on May 7 when the Indian armed forces struck nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (POK). The operation was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 people, mostly InMust Watch IN THIS STORY#India-Pakistan#Operation Sindoor#Pakistan#Jammu and Kashmir
Economic Times
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Economic Times
Akashteer neutralised barrage of Pakistani missiles, drones
ANI File photo: India neutralises Pakistani drone, missile attacks India's indigenously-developed Akashteer air defence control and reporting system played a pivotal role in neutralising waves of Pakistani aerial attacks including drones and missiles during the four-day military confrontation with Pakistan. While Pakistan relied on imported HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems that failed to intercept Indian strikes, Akashteer showcased India's dominance in automated air defence, the defence ministry said on Friday. Manufactured by state-run Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Akashteer was inducted into the Indian Army around a year ago. "In the dark skies, a new kind of warrior awakened. It did not roar like a fighter jet or flash like a missile. It listened. It calculated. It struck," the defence ministry said. "This invisible shield, Akashteer, is no longer a concept confined to defence journals. It is the sharp edge of India's air defence, the unseen wall that stopped a barrage of missiles and drones on the night of May 9 and 10, when Pakistan launched its deadliest attack on Indian military and civilian areas," it said. Under Operation Sindoor, India carried out precision strikes on terror infrastructure early on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Following the Indian action, Pakistan attempted to attack Indian military bases on May 8, 9 and 10. The Pakistani attempts were strongly responded to by the Indian side by inflicting heavy damages to a number of key Pakistani military installations including air bases, air defence systems, command and control centres and radar sites. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on May 10 announced that India and Pakistan reached an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with immediate effect. In sharing the role played by Akashteer, the defence ministry said it is India's fully indigenous, automated air defence control and reporting system, that intercepted and neutralised every inbound projectile. "Akashteer has demonstrated that it sees, decides, and strikes faster than anything the world has fielded," the ministry said in a statement. Explaining the air defence system's features, the system reduces the possibility of friendly fire, allowing rapid engagement of hostile targets while ensuring the protection of aircraft in contested airspace. "Akashteer is not about brute force, it is about intelligent warfare. The system provides a common, real-time air picture to all involved parties (control room, radars and Defence Gun), enabling coordinated air defense operations," the ministry said. "It is a system designed to automate detection, tracking and engagement of enemy aircraft, drones and missiles," it added. The ministry said the air defence system integrates various radar systems, sensors and communication technologies into a single operational framework. Akashteer gathers data from multiple sources, processes it and allows for automated, real-time engagement decisions, it added. The air defence system is part of the broader C4ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance) framework, working in coordination with other systems. It is vehicle-based which makes it mobile and easier to handle in hostile environments. "Unlike traditional air defence models that rely on ground-based radars and manual decisions, Akashteer enables autonomous monitoring of low-level airspace in battle zones and efficient control of ground-based air defence weapon systems," the ministry said. "This marks a clear shift in India's strategic principle- from passive defence to proactive retaliation. Its seamless integration with India's larger C4ISR ecosystem allows the Army, Navy and Air Force to operate with unmatched synergy," it added.
India Today
08-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
All about Pak air defence system destroyed by India
Indian forces destroyed an air defence system deployed at a Pakistani military base in Lahore in response to Pakistan's attempts to engage various Indian military sites last night. Open-source data analysis shows the system could be China-origin government says Indian forces struck several sites in Pakistan by using drones and missiles on Thursday. In the wee hours of Wednesday, Indian forces hit nine terrorist sites in Pakistan to avenge the killing of 26 tourists in a terrorist attack in Kashmir's Pahalgam a fortnight ago. Credit: X/Mrcool and X/LoneWolf advertisementHQ-16, the export variant of China's LY-80 medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM), was acquired by Pakistan in two separate orders between 2013 and 2015, as per the SIPRI (Stockholm International Peace Research Institute) arms transfers' database. The purchase was made for USD 599 million, which translates to USD 66.56 million for each unit. Going by today's currency exchange, that would mean Pakistan spent around PKR 1872.5 crore on each per Pakistan armed forces' magazine Hilal, HQ-16 provides low-to medium-altitude defence. It has a range of around 40 km. The HQ-16 missile can hit targets at an altitude from 400 to 10,000 Army formally inducted the HQ-16 in 2017 and performed its first live firing in January 2018. Data source: ODIN (Operational Environment Data Integration Network) advertisement The HQ-16 is mainly used to protect stationary assets such as airfields, bridges, command posts, concentrations of troops, and other high-value say the battalion of the HQ-16 consists of twelve launcher vehicles (four in each battery), a command and control vehicle, three tracking and guidance radar vehicles, a target searching radar vehicle, and several missile transport and reloading vehicles, and power supply defence system was first introduced in the Chinese armed forces in September per US military's Operational Environment Data Integration Network (ODIN), the HQ-16 can be operated in a strong electromagnetic interference environment and in all weather In
