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Indian Express
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Operation Sindoor: The weapons that gave India the edge
Written by Arindam Goswami and Vikrant Shinde Operations Sindoor and Bunyan Marsoos constituted a sharp and intense three-day engagement and yielded significant lessons on the infusion of technology into warfighting. The contest played out across multiple domains: diplomacy, economy, military, and information. The military aspect spanned non-kinetic, kinetic, contact, and non-contact engagements. India and Pakistan appear to have drawn lessons from the Balakot strikes (India) and Operation Swift Retort (Pakistan), as well as from ongoing wars in West Asia and Eastern Europe. Both armed forces, equipped with inventories from opposing blocs — India with Russian, French, US, and indigenous platforms, and Pakistan with Chinese, US, and Turkish systems — have grappled with the challenges of restricted cross-platform integration going into this engagement. Both air forces were acutely aware of the challenges of employing air power in a contested air defence (AD) environment. The nature of the conflict did not allow the luxury of time to shape the air situation through dedicated Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) or Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD). Consequently, both air forces sought to operate outside each other's AD bubbles using a variety of beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles (AAMs), such as the US-made AMRAAM and Chinese PL-15 (by the PAF), and the Meteor (by the IAF), alongside air-to-ground munitions such as air-launched cruise missiles (ALCMs) including SCALP and HAMMER employed by the IAF. The employment of kinetic strikes deep into Pakistan, dominated by air power from the outset, had the potential to escalate rapidly and uncontrollably. India's reliance on precision targeting facilitated escalation control by minimising collateral damage, thereby providing Pakistan with an off-ramp. Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar technology was another important factor in modern air combat capability. Unlike older passive electronically scanned array (PESA) systems, AESA radars offer superior target detection and tracking, as well as enhanced resistance to jamming. The ability to simultaneously track multiple targets while maintaining a low probability of interception provides a significant combat advantage. This combination affords aircraft equipped with AESA systems a decisive edge in air-to-air engagements. India currently faces a modest capability gap in this domain. It possesses only around 30–40 AESA-equipped aircraft, primarily Rafales and a limited number of Su-30MKIs with upgraded AESA radars. In contrast, Pakistan fields over 70 AESA-equipped aircraft, including approximately 20 J-10CEs and around 45–50 JF-17 Block III jets fitted with the KLJ-7A AESA radar. These JF-17 Block III fighters are integrated with advanced PL-15 air-to-air missiles, significantly enhancing their BVR combat effectiveness. Similarly, the J-10C aircraft are also equipped with PL-15 missiles. This technological disparity creates a potential vulnerability in India's air defence posture. However, India has made notable strides in addressing this imbalance. The acquisition of Rafale fighters has been particularly impactful. These aircraft can track over 40 targets and engage multiple threats simultaneously — a capability that far exceeds that of the Su-30MKI's PESA N011M Bars radar, which can track approximately 15 targets and engage up to four. Thus, the Rafale jets, equipped with the RBE2 AESA radar and Meteor missiles (with ranges exceeding 150 km), provide a distinct advantage in radar capability, missile range, and electronic warfare over Pakistan's JF-17s and J-10CEs. The most significant enhancement to India's air defence capability, however, came through the 'Akashteer' AD management system and the IAF's Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). The legacy systems included IGLA Man-Portable Air Defence Systems (MANPADS), and Bofors L-70 guns — both of which have been significantly upgraded with radar, electro-optical sensors, and auto-tracking systems, including the Soviet-origin Schilka. The advanced AD systems fielded included the indigenous Akash (SRSAM), the Barak (MRSAM) developed jointly with Israel, and the S-400 (LRSAM), one of the most advanced AD systems in the world. India also deployed indigenous Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), developed by BEL and private industry, capable of both soft-kill electronic warfare techniques (such as jamming and spoofing) and hard-kill options using directed energy weapons like lasers. These systems were extensively used to counter incursions by surveillance and combat drones. Drones were deployed extensively by both sides to saturate the airspace and test air defence systems. The use of HAROP loitering munitions to target radars created potential gaps in AD coverage during the early stages. These munitions combine the features of UAVs and missiles, equipped with electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, colour CCD cameras, and anti-radiation homing capabilities. HAROPs can loiter in a designated area for up to nine hours. Due to their immunity to GNSS jamming, they are largely resistant to electronic warfare attacks. Their relatively low cost and expendability make them likely candidates as weapons of choice in future 'no-war, no-peace' scenarios. The writers are research analysts at the Takshashila Institution, Bengaluru
India Today
30-04-2025
- Business
- India Today
How India's submarine gap draws concern amidst face-off with Pakistan
Escalating India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack are resonating in the military muscle-flexing by the nuclear-armed neighbours. Pakistan has been highlighting its air combat readiness by sharing images of the China-acquired JF-17 Block III fighter jets, armed with Chinese long-range PL-15 Beyond Visual Range air-to-air missiles. In response, the Indian Navy has conducted missile test-firings from warships in the Arabian Prime Minister Narendra Modi granting the military 'complete freedom to decide on the mode, targets and timing' of India's response to the Pahalgam attack, the spectre of a cross-border offensive looms. Modi's decision followed his meeting with the Union defence minister, chief of defence staff and three service chiefs on April military strategy increasingly emphasises on balanced focus on land, air and maritime capabilities. However, the navy, while celebrating the recent deal to acquire Rafale Marine jets for aircraft carrier operations, faces growing concerns over its underwater naval strategists, this is a critical area for strategic development. India's fleet of 17 conventional submarines—many of them over 30 years old—and three nuclear-powered submarines (one of them is leased) is considered insufficient to counter the challenges from Pakistan and China. Of these submarines, roughly a fourth are under refit, making them unavailable for immediate operational requirements. Naval sources claim that nine of the 17 submarines have less than 10 years of life remaining, and five will be up for decommissioning before 2031. This even as the Indian Navy has not signed any new contract in the past two decades for acquisition of conventional submarines, the first Scorpene submarine contract being inked in October addition, the long-drawn acquisition processes of the Indian government and long lead time make submarine inductions sporadic. For the navy, the fallout of this could be Indian Navy's expectations of buffing up its submarine fleet were temporarily dashed when the Rs 36,000 crore deal between the state-run Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and French firm Naval Group to procure three additional Scorpene submarines failed to get the green signal from the government in the financial year ending March 31, 2025. Modi had announced the contract for manufacturing three additional Scorpene submarines during his visit to France in July operates six Scorpene submarines; the most recent one, INS Vagsheer, was dedicated to the nation in January this sources claim the new additional Scorpene submarines are to have 60 per cent indigenous material, almost double of the six Scorpene submarines delivered. The three new submarines will be slightly bigger and have improved performance. As per the repeat order, the submarines will come with an upgraded design, including major technologies, such as AIP (air-independent propulsion), developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Besides, significant parts will be designed and developed by the Indian current procurement of conventional submarines is in the form of two contracts—the three additional Scorpene class submarines and six under the Project-75 India (P-75I). Official sources claim that of the nine boats, the three additional submarines could be delivered in a short lead time after signing of the contract while the other six will be added to the fleet Pakistan military, meanwhile, has continued to build its maritime capabilities at pace. Last month, China delivered it the second Hangor-class submarine equipped with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors, confirming Beijing's efforts to strengthen the navy of its all-weather ally in order to back its own growing presence in the Arabian Sea and the Indian delivery was part of the eight-submarine deal with Pakistan worth around $5 billion. Pakistan is likely to acquire all eight submarines over the next decade, which arguably puts it ahead of India in underwater warfare capabilities. The deal is in addition to four modern naval frigates that China has supplied to Pakistan in the past few years. This is all part of the Chinese navy's steady expansion in the Arabian Sea, where it is developing the Gwadar port in operates the world's largest and most rapidly expanding navy. Its submarine fleet is projected to reach 65 this year and 80 by the other hand, India's most critical submarine programme, the P-75I, is facing delays. Under the 43,000 crore project, India aims to build six advanced conventional submarines, equipped with better sensors and weapons and AIP, through a joint venture. In early January, MDL and Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) successfully cleared the technical evaluations conducted by the defence point to probable budgetary constraints as one of the key obstacles. Defence got a Rs 6.81 lakh crore allocation for 2025-26—13.45 per cent of Union Budget 2025. But experts argue that at 1.9 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), it remains below the 2.5 per cent threshold required to fully meet India's growing security India's evolving security landscape, marked by border tensions, rising cyber threats and the push for indigenous defence manufacturing, many argue that the current funding lags behind operational and modernisation needs. The allocation is aimed at addressing critical capability gaps through big-ticket acquisitions in the current and subsequent financial years, including niche technology-powered lethal weapons, fighter aircraft, ships, platforms, unmanned aerial vehicles, drones and specialist the pressing need for military modernisation, as emphasised by experts, the defence ministry often struggles to fully utilise its allocated budget. For instance, this February, the ministry returned Rs 12,500 crore from its 2024-25 budget, primarily underutilised funds earmarked for capital core issue lies in the slow and intricate defence procurement process, which frequently causes hampers timely expenditure. Streamlining these procedures could enable the defence ministry to effectively channel resources towards boosting India's military capabilities, aligning with strategic imperatives in a rapidly changing security to India Today Magazine
India.com
26-04-2025
- Politics
- India.com
Pakistan adds THESE Chinese-made deadly missiles to its JF-17 fighters as threat of India-Pakistan war looms, concern for India due to...
Pakistan Air Force released images showing JF-17 fighter jets equipped with Chinese PL-15 missiles. (X) India-Pakistan war: Amid the looming threat of an India-Pakistan war, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reportedly equipped its JF-17C fighter jets with PL-15 air-to-air missiles. The PAF recently released pictures showing a JF-17C combat jet equipped with a PL-15 advanced missile, with experts saying that the image was meant to send a message to India that the country is ready for war, if it comes to that. According to media reports, China has shipped PL-15 missiles to Pakistan in wake of the heightened tensions with India. Notably, China has delivered the PL-15 version meant for the Chinese Air Force, instead of the PL-15E, which is export variant of the ultra-long range missile. Experts claims the delivery was made on emergency basis as the missile variants sent to Pakistan are likely from the stock reserved for the Chinese Air Force, which employs these missiles in its fifth-generation J-20 stealth fighter jets. How powerful is the PL-15 missile? The PL-15 missile is an advanced, ultra long-range air-to-air missile, reportedly with a range between 200 to 300 kilometers, making it a major threat to the fighter jets of the Indian Air Force (IAF). As per reports, Pakistan has equipped its JF-17 Block III fighter with these long range missiles, enhancing the warplane's offensive capabilities, and making it more lethal than before in Beyond Visual Range (BVR) combat. Pakistan's JF-17 Block III fighter jets are equipped with AESA radar, that enables the aircraft to easily track its target, and also comes with Helmet Mounted Display (HMD) technology, which allows the pilot to lock the target using his helmet. The PL-15 missile has clipped wings, enabling it to be equipped in internal weapon bay of stealth fighters like the J-20, and integration with the JF-17 Block III, which comes with the advanced KLJ-7AESA radar, enhances Pakistan Air Force's ability to carry out long-range encounters, according to experts. As per military experts, the PL-15 has similar range and maneuverability are similar to, and even surpass in some ways, West-made counterparts such as the US AIM-120D AMRAAM, which has a range of about 100 miles and is comparable to the European MBDA Meteor. Worry for Indian Air Force? While PL-15 missile installed onboard the JF-17 Block III fighter jet is undoubtedly a major challenge for the Indian Air Force, but the IAF has counter measures for such advanced weaponry, as its Su-30MKI fighter aircraft, Rafale and Mirage 2000 fighter jets are also equipped with advanced BVR missiles like Meteor (150+ km) and Astra Mk2 (160+ km). Additionally, the IAF's fighter jet fleet has more advanced radar and electronic warfare systems compared to their Pakistani counterparts. According to defense experts, Pakistan would need powerful radar system and an excellent network support system, apart from experienced pilots to ensure that an advanced missile like the PL-15 is used to its full potential. They say that the Pakistan Air Force is lacking in all three of these fields, hence the PL-15 missile would not pose much a threat to India.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Azerbaijan economy minister to visit Pakistan next week to finalize key investment deals
ISLAMABAD: Azerbaijan Minister of the Economy Mikayil Jabbarov will visit Pakistan next week to finalize key investment agreements between the two countries, the Pakistan prime minister's office said on Sunday. The statement came after Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif's telephonic conversation with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr, in which he conveyed his greetings and warm wishes to the brotherly people of Azerbaijan. The two leaders reaffirmed their resolve to further strengthen the deep-rooted fraternal ties between the two countries and build upon the Sharif's visit to Baku last month, according to the Pakistan premier's office. 'The two leaders agreed that the Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan would visit Islamabad in the first week of April to hold discussions with the Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister and also pay a courtesy call on the Prime Minister,' Sharif's office said. 'This visit would ensure finalization of the key investment agreements between both sides thus setting the stage for President Ilham Aliyev's expected visit to Islamabad in the month of April.' During his visit to Baku in Feb., Sharif had announced the two nations would sign deals in April to boost bilateral investments to $2 billion. Multiple agreements for cooperation in the trade, energy, tourism, education and other sectors were also signed during the visit. The developments come as cash-strapped Pakistan navigates a tricky path to economic recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. The South Asian country has been making efforts to generate revenue through increased trade and investment deals with friendly nations and regional and international allies, focusing on export-led growth. In September last year, Azerbaijan bought JF-17 Block III fighter jets from Pakistan, reportedly in a $1.6bn deal. During President Aliyev's visit to Pakistan last year, a joint committee was set up to materialize projects in trade, commerce, information technology, tourism, telecommunication, mineral resources and other sectors. Sharif said at the time the current trade volume of $100 million did not reflect the 'true' trade potential between the two countries.
Arab News
13-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Amid economic push, Pakistan reviews proposals for investment projects with Azerbaijan
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's deputy prime minister, Ishaq Dar, on Tuesday reviewed various proposals for investment projects with Azerbaijan, the Pakistan foreign office said, amid Islamabad's push for increase trade and investment in the South Asian country. The development came days after Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev wrote a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and called for joint ventures with Pakistan in defense, energy, economy, logistics and transport sectors to expand Baku's strategic partnership with Islamabad. It followed a visit by Sharif to Baku, where he announced the two nations would sign deals in April to boost bilateral investments to $2 billion. Multiple agreements for cooperation in the trade, energy, tourism, education and other sectors were signed during Sharif's visit in Feb. On Tuesday, DPM Dar presided over an inter-ministerial meeting on possible investment projects with Azerbaijan and reviewed various proposals in this regard, according to the Pakistani foreign office. 'DPM/FM directed to accelerate the implementation of decisions to boost economic growth and development through viable investment projects,' it said in a statement. 'He reaffirmed that strengthening Pakistan-Azerbaijan ties remains a priority as both countries collaborate across various sectors.' Cash-strapped Pakistan is currently navigating a tricky path to recovery under a $7 billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) program. The South Asian country has been making efforts to generate revenue through increased trade and investment deals with friendly nations and regional and international allies, focusing on export-led growth. In September last year, Azerbaijan bought JF-17 Block III fighter jets from Pakistan, reportedly in a $1.6bn deal. During President Aliyev's visit to Pakistan last year, a joint committee was set up to materialize projects in trade, commerce, information technology, tourism, telecommunication, mineral resources and other sectors. Sharif said at the time the current trade volume of $100 million did not reflect the 'true' trade potential between the two countries.
