Latest news with #JohnSpencer
Economic Times
20 hours ago
- Politics
- Economic Times
Target locked: India's homebuilt weapons outclass Chinese imports
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 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 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 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 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.
Time of India
21 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Target locked: India's homebuilt weapons outclass Chinese imports
Chinese systems like the HQ-9 and PL-15 are not as tested or dependable as their Western or Russian counterparts. Operation Sindoor wasn't just a battlefield success for India—it was a decisive demonstration of homegrown military strength. While Pakistan fielded Chinese-made weapons and struggled, India relied on its indigenously developed systems under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat. According to military expert John Spencer, India's sovereign arsenal proved superior. The campaign signalled not only military dominance but also a shift in global defence credibility. Indian defence firms soared in the markets, while Chinese firms saw sharp declines as their weapons underperformed. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Sovereign weapons, proxy forces Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Homegrown arsenal, battlefield supremacy 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. Chinese systems falter Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads From 'Make in India' to market gains 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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.
NDTV
21 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
US Military Expert On Why Op Sindoor Is A "Decisive Victory" In Modern Warfare
New Delhi: Operation Sindoor has become a testament to India's growing military prowess, targeting nine key terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), avenging the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and redefining India's anti-terror strategy on the global stage, said John Spencer, Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute and Executive Director of the Urban Warfare Institute. In a detailed article posted on X, titled "Operation Sindoor: A Decisive Victory in Modern Warfare", Spencer stated that India had achieved a "massive victory" following Operation Sindoor, which he claimed is still not "completely over" despite the undertaking of the cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan. Spencer noted that the operation "exceeded its strategic aims" as it neutralised terrorist infrastructure and showcased India's military dominance, reinforcing deterrence as well as introducing a "new national security doctrine". He called the action decisive and not just "symbolic", and that it was applied with clear intent. He stated that the cessation was "not merely a pause" but a "strategic hold" following this military victory. Spencer noted that, unlike the previous attacks executed by India following such terror attacks, India "didn't wait", nor appealed to the international forum for mediation or issued a diplomatic demarche but launched "warplanes". The swift and precise calibration on May 7 sent a clear message that "terror attacks launched from Pakistani soil will now be treated as acts of war." Spencer further recognised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's new doctrine as "India will not tolerate any nuclear blackmail. India will strike precisely and decisively at the terrorist hideouts developing under the cover of nuclear blackmail." He further acknowledged PM Modi's unveiling of a strategic doctrine as he said, "Terror and talks can't go together. Water and blood can't flow together." In his article Spence says that the nine precision strikes on major terror training camps, particularly Pakistan's Bahawalpur and Muridke, on May 7; the damages done to the 11 Pakistani military airbases; and the "temporary halt" in firing weren't just a tactical success but were a "doctrinal execution" under live fire. These actions had redefined India's stance against terrorism by drawing and enforcing a new red line: terror attacks from Pakistani soil will now be met with military force. Additionally, it, combined with a display of overwhelming military superiority, has restored deterrence and asserted India's strategic independence. "Critics who argue India should have escalated further miss the point, as strategic success lies not in the scale of destruction but in achieving the desired political effect", Spencer writes. "India was not fighting for vengeance. It was fighting for deterrence. And it worked," he wrote. "India's restraint is not weakness--it is maturity. It imposed costs, redefined thresholds, and retained escalation dominance. India didn't just respond to an attack. It changed the strategic equation," Spencer noted. — John Spencer (@SpencerGuard) May 14, 2025 He argues that in an era defined by "forever wars" and cycles of violence without strategic direction, Operation Sindoor stands apart. It offers a model of limited war with clearly defined ends, matched ways and means, and a state that never relinquished the initiative. "India absorbed a blow, defined its objective, and achieved it--all within a contained timeframe. The use of force in Operation Sindoor was overwhelming yet controlled--precise, decisive, and without hesitation. That kind of clarity is rare in modern war," Spencer acknowledged. He states that India of 2008 absorbed attacks and waited; this India hits back--immediately, precisely, and with clarity. According to Spencer, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's doctrine, combined with India's advancing domestic defence industry and the professionalism of its armed forces, signals a country no longer preparing for the last war but for the next one. The halt in operations is not the end of Operation Sindoor but a pause. India holds the initiative. If provoked again, it will strike again. Spencer believes that Operation Sindoor was a modern war--fought under the shadow of nuclear escalation, with global attention, and within a limited objective framework. By every measure that matters, it was a strategic success and a decisive Indian victory.
Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
India won tech war, Pak lost as China's proxy: US expert
India won tech war, Pak lost as China's proxy: US expert NEW DELHI: Under Operation Sindoor , India did not just win a military conflict with Pakistan but also scored a victory over China in the technological domain as Pakistan essentially fought as a Chinese proxy by relying heavily on Chinese platforms, according to military expert John Spencer. "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 (the two key programmes of the Modi govt that lay emphasis on self-reliance in the defence sector)," Spencer, a retired US army officer who is currently the chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute, wrote on X. "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 said. The 'Made-in-India' BrahMos supersonic cruise missile with Russian collaboration, totally indigenous Akash surface to air missile and Akashteer missile defence system, Rudram anti-radiation missile, Netra airborne early warning and control (AEW&C), loitering munitions (SkyStriker, Harop) and D4S counter-unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system, an indigenous multi-layer drone defence system integrating radar, radio frequency jammers, sensors and kinetic kill options had an upper hand over several Pakistan-owned but Chinese-built HQ-9/ HQ-16 SAM Systems, LY-80 & FM-90 air defence systems and CH-4 dross (China), Spencer said. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like The Killer New Toyota 4Runner Is Utter Perfection (Take A Look) MorninJoy Undo India's thrust for self-reliance in defence weaponry began as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Make in India' initiative, he said. "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 to build sophisticated military hardware at home. 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," Spencer said.
India.com
a day ago
- Politics
- India.com
Operation Sindoor: Indias Indigenous Arsenal Outshines Chinese Weapons, Says US Expert John Spencer
The rapid, multidomain military campaign Operation Sindoor not only dismantled cross-border terror networks but became a full-scale validation of India's defence transformation, a leading American defence analyst said on Thursday. In his extensive analysis titled 'India's Operation Sindoor: A Battlefield Verdict on Chinese Weapons — And India's Victory', top urban warfare expert John Spencer reckoned that Operation Sindoor wasn't just a military campaign but a technology demonstration, a market signal, and a strategic blueprint. "India showed the world what self-reliance in modern warfare looks like — and proved that 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' works under fire," Spencer wrote. "Operation Sindoor pitted India's indigenously developed weapons systems against Chinese-supplied platforms fielded by Pakistan. And India didn't just win on the battlefield — it won the technology referendum. 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," he added. Spencer, currently the Chair of urban warfare studies at the Modern War Institute and a Co-Director of the Urban Warfare Project, stated that "Pakistan's proxy dependency" was no match to "India's sovereign power" during Operation Sindoor which demolished terror infrastructure deep inside Pakistan after the heinous April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. "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," Spencer wrote. Spencer also detailed how India's transformation into a modern defence power began in 2014, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Make in India' initiative. The goal, he said, was clear: reduce dependence on foreign arms imports and build a world-class domestic defence industry. "The policy incentivized joint ventures, opened defence to foreign direct investment up to 74 per cent, and encouraged both public and private sector manufacturers to build sophisticated military hardware at home. 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," he stated. Heaping praise on PM Modi, he highlighted how 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', or a self-reliant India, became a national security doctrine than just an economic policy following the combined shock of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash with China. "India imposed phased bans on key defence imports, gave the armed forces emergency procurement powers, and poured investment into indigenous research, design, and production. By 2025, India had increased domestic content in defence procurement from 30 per cent to 65 per cent, with a goal of 90 per cent by the decade's end," he said. India's new doctrine, the leading expert reckons, was tested under fire on April 22 when Pakistan-backed militants killed 26 Indian civilians in a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Baisaran Valley. Spencer then goes on to explain in detail how India's arsenal proved just too much for Pakistan. Jointly developed with Russia and now largely manufactured in India, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles was used to strike high-value targets like radar stations and hardened bunkers. "Its speed and low radar cross-section make it nearly impossible to intercept," says Spencer. The Akash surface-to-air missile, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), India's premier military research and development agency, and Bharat Dynamics, enabled coordinated response to multiple airborne threats - including drones, cruise missiles, and aircraft. It was integrated with the Akashteer Command & Control System, an AI-enhanced air defence network that provides real-time data fusion, India's first indigenously developed anti-radiation missile, Rudram-1 was also deployed to silence Pakistani ground-based radars and degrade situational awareness in key sectors of the Line of Control (LoC). Spencer also mentioned how Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C), also built by DRDO on an Embraer platform, provided real-time tracking of enemy aircraft and missiles, vectoring Indian jets for deep-strike missions. "Its effectiveness was evident when Pakistan's Swedish Saab 2000 AEW&C was destroyed by a long-range missile," said Spencer. India also deployed Harop and SkyStriker drones — precision-guided 'Kamikaze' munitions that loiter over the battlefield and dive onto enemy targets. Harop is manufactured under license by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) while SkyStriker is assembled domestically through an Elbit joint venture. They were used to destroy mobile radars, convoys, and high-value enemy infrastructure with minimal collateral damage. At the same time, India's Drone Detect, Deter, and Destroy System (D4S) neutralised dozens of Chinese-made Pakistani drones. The system reflects India's transition from reactive air defence to proactive electronic warfare dominance. Imported from the US but integrated into Indian mountain warfare doctrine, the M777 Ultra-Light Howitzer was used with Excalibur precision-guided shells to strike terrorist camps without crossing the LoC. Spencer mentioned how its airliftability and rapid deployment made it ideal for high-altitude operations. India also deployed upgraded T-72s along the LoC for overwatch roles. The Zorawar, a new light tank optimized for high-altitude terrain, is under development and these systems signal India's continued investment in mobility and firepower in challenging Himalayan terrain, Specner wrote. Writing on India's deployment of some of its most advanced fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, Spencer said that the Rafales led deep precision strikes using SCALP long-range cruise missiles to hit fortified enemy positions. It also carried Meteor air-to-air missiles, capable of hitting targets over 100 kilometers away—giving India a decisive edge in air combat. Meanwhile, the Su-30MKI, a Russian-designed twin-engine heavy fighter built under license in India, and the Mirage 2000, another versatile French jet, provided firepower and flexibility, launching multiple strike packages and ensuring airspace control. "These jets flew under the protective umbrella of the Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, which acted like an eye in the sky—tracking enemy aircraft and coordinating the battlespace. Meanwhile, Rudram anti-radiation missiles were used in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions, disabling enemy radar and air defence systems to ensure safe air operations," the expert on military operatons detailed. On the other hand, Spencer gave a detailed Pakistan's strategic failures, also giving a detailed account of failure of Chinese systems. During Operation Sindoor, he wrote, the JF-17 Thunder aircraft - produced in Pakistan but designed and built by China's AVIC - failed to gain air superiority or contest Indian strikes. "Their limited payload, outdated radar, and poor survivability were evident under Indian EW and air defence pressure," said Spencer. With the F-16 Fighting Falcons sidelined by US end-user agreements during Operation Sindoor, Pakistan was left without a frontline air dominance platform. "Chinese imitations of Russia's S-300 and Buk systems, the HQ-9 and HQ-16 were deployed to intercept Indian air and missile attacks. However, they failed under India's jamming and deception operations. These systems were easily bypassed by BrahMos and loitering drones, revealing critical weaknesses." The LY-80 and FM-90 air defence systems, also Chinese-made, were unable to detect or stop India's low-flying drones and precision munitions. This, said Spencer, forced Pakistan to rely on passive air defence rather than any credible kinetic response. Also used extensively by Pakistan for ISR and light strike roles, the CH-4s were repeatedly downed or jammed, underperforming in terrain and electronic environments dominated by India's D4S system. "Reports emerged that Turkish drone operators had to be brought in to manage UAVs — revealing both equipment and personnel dependency," said Spencer. Pakistan's key airborne early warning platform, Swedish Saab 2000 AEW&C, was destroyed — likely by an S-400 system — crippling Pakistan's airspace awareness and blinding command and control functions. "By the end of the campaign, Pakistan had lost key radar stations, its premier AEW&C aircraft, dozens of drones, and its ability to contest Indian airspace," concluded Spencer. He also mentioned how India's defence stocks surged in May, gaining investor trust while, in contrast, the Chinese defence stocks fell sharply after Operation Sindoor with AVIC, NORINCO, CETC — all taking hits as the battlefield disproved their marketing.
