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The Print
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Print
India, Pakistan climb escalatory ladder. Anatomy of kinetic response & off-ramp
Before these, however, comes a term used so rarely these days, it sounds exotic: casus belli. I am employing Latin despite my first venerable news editor late D.N. Singh's orders to never use 'foreign' until an English alternative was available. Somehow, cause to justify conflict or war does not sound so convincing. As I finish writing this, fresh fighting has broken out over Jammu, Pathankot and Jaisalmer, and Pakistan has just made a rare admission of the loss of two JF-17 fighter jets, while Indian sources believe they have also shot down an F-16. This is a very fast-moving story and instead of running commentary, I am getting into some key issues arising in the current crisis. The casus belli in this case is Pahalgam and it is astounding—and disappointing—how it has faded from not just international media, but ours too. If that massacre hadn't taken place, we wouldn't be here today. Pahalgam, thus, was the first step on the escalatory ladder. Why did the Pakistani establishment and their proxies choose this action, we will analyse in another article over the next couple of days. This story isn't going anywhere. We are also familiar with the successive steps on this ladder already climbed. The diplomatic staff cuts, vaporising of people-to-people contacts and visas, ban on overflights and finally, the holding of Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance by India, and the Pakistani counter with the threat to respond with 'reserving the right' to do just this with the Simla Agreement. As we climbed these steps on the escalatory ladder, the question often asked was: will there be kinetic action. And if so, when and what kind? Kinetic action implies the use of military force to achieve your objective and deliver a message, as differing from diplomatic, information, economic warfare, lawfare, sanctions and so on. India took that step up the ladder on the intervening night of 6/7 May. Pakistan followed the next night with surprisingly ambitious targeting of Indian airbases across our north and west. They were not trying to carry out any massive damage or hit aircraft yet. The nature of the attacks, instruments used and targets chosen would introduce us to another term you might need to get familiar with. It is SEAD: Suppression of Enemy Air Defence. Sometimes DEAD is preferred, destruction replacing suppression. Also Read: Trump is wrong about Operation Sindoor. Not an ancient battle, it's a war on terror If you can suppress or even partly degrade your rival's air defences, it gives your air power (fighters and missiles) that much greater freedom and safety to operate. Remember on the night of 6/7 May India carried out the attacks without any SEAD action preceding it. It might've made the action safer for the IAF strike forces, but would have been like an air raid alarm waking up the Pakistanis. This should enable us to appreciate the degree of difficulty and danger our strike elements faced. This SEAD is precisely what Pakistan tried last night. If they had succeeded even partly, they would have come with larger attacks. This is the 'compliment' India paid back with its drone attacks. Each was targeted precisely with the same objective: SEAD. If Pakistan responds tonight, it will be the next step on the ladder. That brings us to the concept of 'off-ramp.' It is literally like when you are peering on a highway and want to get off it for rest, a snack and in the strategic discourse, a halt to hostilities or a return to negotiation or peace. It can also apply to a bull continuing to invest breathlessly even as the markets are declining and then, at some point either losing nerve or embracing prudence to stop. Or get off the ramp. In the India-Pakistan situations, off-ramps have come either through foreign mediation (after months of kinetic warfare over Kargil, and a long stand-off with Op Parakram) or when a situation made it possible for both sides to claim a win. Think Pulwama. When India hit a terror base in the Pakistani mainland for the first time, Pakistan had a pilot as a PoW. His return under Indian pressure became the off-ramp for both. The ongoing story does not promise any such dramatic resolutions. On the other hand, every night sees the next step on the escalatory ladder climbed. Given how late action takes place at night, I'd suggest anybody interested in tracking it get some sleep in the day. This is a 'keep your seat belts tightened at all times' juncture. Also Read: This India-Pakistan escalation ladder is new and slippery
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Business Standard
Operation Sindoor: What are HAROP drones India has bought from Israel?
The HAROP drone, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), represents a significant shift in the way modern militaries engage high-value targets. Designed as a loitering munition, this hybrid between a drone and a missile is capable of autonomous reconnaissance, target identification, and lethal strikes, all without prior intelligence input. With a growing list of operators, including India and Azerbaijan, the HAROP is rapidly becoming important when it comes to precision warfare. What is the HAROP drone and how does it work? At its core, the HAROP is a long-range loitering munition (also known as a suicide drone) developed by IAI's MBT Missiles Division. It is a second-generation system that builds on earlier platforms like the HARPY. The HAROP acts as both a surveillance tool and a weapon, thanks to its real-time intelligence capabilities and built-in explosive payload. Once launched from a sealed canister mounted on a ground or naval platform, the drone can loiter over an area for up to nine hours. If no target is identified, it can return safely, allowing for reuse under certain conditions. When a target is confirmed—such as a radar installation, command centre, or air defence system—the drone dives into it, destroying the object with its 23-kg warhead. HAROP drone specifications and key features Endurance: Up to 9 hours Operational range: Up to 1,000 km (standoff launch) Effective range (from launch point): Up to 200 km Warhead: 23 kg (51 lb) Launch platform: Ground vehicles, naval vessels (sealed canisters) Navigation: GNSS-resistant systems Sensors: EO/IR/FLIR/CCD camera; anti-radar homing Human oversight in autonomous targeting The HAROP features a 'man-in-the-loop' control system. Operators monitor its flight and targeting in real time via a two-way data link, allowing them to abort or reassign missions mid-flight. This flexibility helps reduce the risk of collateral damage, particularly in urban or sensitive environments. The drone is equipped with electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), forward-looking infrared (FLIR) sensors, and a colour CCD camera. It also has anti-radar homing capability, allowing it to autonomously zero in on electronic emissions—a valuable asset in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) operations. Combat experience and confirmed use cases The HAROP's efficacy is not theoretical. It has seen combat in multiple conflict zones. Azerbaijan deployed the drone during the 2016 and 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh wars, where it was reportedly used to strike Armenian air defences and fortified positions. The system was also employed in Syria, with a confirmed 2018 strike on a Russian-made SA-22 Greyhound air defence system and an additional use reported in December 2024. While IAI has not officially disclosed the full list of operators, India and Azerbaijan are confirmed buyers. Reports suggest that Türkiye may have also begun deploying the HAROP as early as 2005. How loitering munitions differ from conventional UAVs Loitering munitions like the HAROP differ from conventional UAVs or cruise missiles in both design and function. Unlike UAVs, which typically return after a surveillance mission, and cruise missiles that follow pre-defined routes to fixed targets, loitering munitions hover in contested airspace waiting for opportunities to strike. They require no advanced intelligence, can operate in jammed environments, and cancel or redirect strikes on the fly—capabilities few missile systems or drones offer. What the HAROP drone means for India's military strategy The HAROP is engineered for use across a range of military operations, from urban counter-terror missions to high-intensity conflict zones. Its ability to loiter for extended durations makes it ideal for tracking mobile or time-sensitive targets. The system can be deployed from mobile ground units or aboard naval vessels, making it adaptable to various tactical needs. India has steadily increased its military cooperation with Israel, purchasing approximately $2.9 billion worth of defence equipment over the last decade. The procurement has included radars, drones, and missile systems, with the HAROP being one of the key acquisitions.
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Business Standard
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
What are SEAD, loitering munitions? Key terms to decode India-Pak standoff
Tensions between India and Pakistan have surged to their highest levels in years following the Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22, which left 26 dead. In a decisive response, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of Wednesday (May 7). The Indian armed forces conducted a series of precision strikes targeting nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India called these actions "focused, measured, and deliberately non-escalatory", aiming to hold the perpetrators accountable while avoiding direct attacks on Pakistani military facilities. In the midst of this high-stakes standoff, official statements and media briefings are saturated with technical military jargon, making it challenging for the public to fully grasp the unfolding events. To help decode the language shaping this crisis, here's a primer on the technical terms being frequently used by both sides. These definitions aim to clarify the strategic concepts and operational buzzwords dominating the headlines. 1. SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defences) Meaning: SEAD missions aim to destroy or disable the enemy's air defence systems (like surface-to-air missile launchers or radar sites) so that friendly aircraft can operate safely. Example: Before launching a deep airstrike into enemy territory, the Indian Air Force might send aircraft equipped with anti-radiation missiles to knock out Pakistani radars and missile batteries — this is a SEAD operation. On Thursday, India confirmed that it conducted SEAD/DEAD (Destruction of Enemy Air Defences) operations to weaken Pakistan's air defences. 2. Off-ramp Meaning: An "off-ramp" refers to a diplomatic or strategic option that allows one or both sides to exit the conflict without appearing to have lost. It's a way to de-escalate tensions while saving face. Example: After the 2019 Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan released a captured Indian pilot, which acted as an off-ramp, easing tensions and preventing further escalation. 3. Escalation Meaning: Escalation is the process of increasing the intensity of a conflict, either by using more force, expanding targets, or involving new weapons systems. Example: If the conflict starts with artillery shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) and then progresses to airstrikes on military bases deep inside each other's territory, that's an escalation. 4. De-escalation Meaning: This is the opposite of escalation. It means reducing the intensity of the conflict, either through a ceasefire, diplomatic talks, or mutual military pullbacks. Example: Both armies agreeing to halt cross-border firing and beginning talks at the diplomatic level is a form of de-escalation. 5. Escalation ladder Meaning: The "escalation ladder" is a conceptual model coined by American physicist Herman Kahn. This describes how a conflict can increase in stages -- from low-intensity engagements (like border skirmishes) to high-intensity warfare (like missile strikes or nuclear threats). Example: Step 1: Troop movement near the border Step 2: Artillery shelling Step 3: Airstrikes Step 4: Missile deployment Step 5: Nuclear posturing Each step up the ladder represents a more serious and dangerous stage of escalation. 6. Loitering munitions Meaning: These are a type of drone or weapon that can "wait" in the air over a target area and attack when the opportunity arises. They are also called "suicide drones" because they destroy themselves when they hit the target.
News18
07-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
Did Pakistan Detect Indian Missiles? How Does A Radar System Work? Explained
Last Updated: Pakistan's radar and missile defence technologies include Chinese-made HQ-9/P & LY-80 systems. However, the effectiveness of these radars may be limited to India's SEAD strategies India's Operation Sindoor destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, with questions arising whether Islamabad's radar system was able to detect New Delhi's missiles. Pakistan media has reported that its air defence forces engaged in the incoming threats. According to Pakistan Today, the country's military has invested in various radar and missile defence technologies, including the Chinese-made HQ-9/P and LY-80 systems, to enhance its capability to monitor and intercept aerial threats. Let us understand how does a radar system work, and what is Pakistan's defence system. What Is A Defence Radar System? Militaries across the world use a specialised electronic system to detect, track, identify and monitor airborne, surface-to-surface and space-borne aircraft, missiles, drones and ships. It plays a crucial role in early warning, surveillance and target acquisition within a country's air defence and missile defence strategy. How Does Radar Missile Operation Work? The system operates by transmitting electromagnetic waves (radio or microwaves) and analyzing the reflected signals (echoes) to provide real-time information about potential threats. These systems are critical for air defense, missile defense, maritime surveillance, and battlefield awareness. Radar is an acronym for 'Radio Detection and Ranging", and it works by emitting a burst of radio waves and then listening for their reflection off objects. Detection: In the first step, the radar can calculate the distance, speed, and direction of the target depending on the time it takes for the waves to return and the shift in their frequency (Doppler shift). In some instances, a missile radar system may work in conjunction with an external system, to detect potential targets. Once a target is identified, the missile is launched. Tracking: The updates allow the radar to follow moving targets, predicting their trajectory. The missile's onboard radar continues to emit radio waves and monitor their reflections, updating the target's real-time location. The data obtained through the system is then processed by the missile's computer, which calculates a trajectory to intercept the target. The missile can adjust its path dynamically based on the continuous feedback from the radar system. Homing: In the homing phase, missiles zero in on the targets. As it comes close to the target, it switches to a different type of radar known as 'terminal guidance". This radar gives more precise information about the target's location, enabling the missile to make exact adjustments. Once the missile reaches its target, the warhead is detonated, resulting in the destruction of the target. What Is Pakistan's Key Missile Detection Network? Pakistan's radar system includes US-made TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar, China's YLC-18A, LY-80 LOMADS and HQ-9P long-range air defence system. Let us understand them in detail. HQ-9/P Air Defence System: The long-range Surface-to-Air missile system has a range of about 125 km. The HT-233 phased-array fire control radar, which works with active radar homing (ARH) and inertial navigation system (INS). This radar can detect targets at a distance of up to 150 km. The HQ-9/P is considered an advanced version of the Chinese S-300 PMU, capable of destroying complex aerial threats such as fighter jets, cruise missiles. LY-80 and LY-80EV: The medium-range air defence system has a range of 40-70 km. It was formally inducted into Pakistan's military in 2017. The semi-active radar homing (SARH) and INS usage are capable of targeting low-altitude flying objects. They are primarily deployed to protect military bases and infrastructure near the border. FM-90: It is a short-range air defence system. It can target drones, helicopters, and low-lying aircraft. These systems are used for the protection of military bases and airports near the border. These are deployed to increase the threat posed to the Indian Air Force and strengthen its defence system. However, the effectiveness of these radars may be limited to India's SEAD (Suppression of Enemy Air Defense) strategies. TPS-77 Multi-Role Radar: The US-made Multi-Role Radar is a highly advanced system manufactured by Lockheed Martin. It is designed for long-range air surveillance and situational awareness. It has a detection range of up to 463 km and has the ability to track target at altitudes from ground level to 30.5 km. It can detect high-altitude aircraft and low-level threats such as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and cruise missiles. Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 07, 2025, 16:43 IST News explainers Did Pakistan Detect Indian Missiles? How Does A Radar System Work? Explained
Yahoo
25-03-2025
- Yahoo
Study: Shreveport restaurants misrepresent imported shrimp as wild Gulf shrimp
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Where you stand on the name of the Gulf of water south of Louisiana is not nearly as important as where the shrimp on your plate came from. A recent report revealed that 58% of restaurants sampled in Shreveport were found to advertise or imply they serve Gulf wild-caught shrimp falsely. Rapid ID Genetic Highly-Accurate Test (RIGHTTest) revealed that farm-raised imported shrimp are being passed along to unknowing consumers as authentic Gulf shrimp. Samples taken between March 8-10, 2025, showed that the Shreveport sample contained the highest inauthenticity rate in Louisiana. SEAD Consulting has conducted the ongoing study, which found that in February 2025, the lowest rate of foreign farm-raised fraud was in New Orleans, with 13%, Baton Rouge, with 30%, and Lafayette, with 33% of the shrimp being Gulf imposters. More Louisiana News Back to Shreveport, out of 24 restaurants sampled, 17 were serving imported shrimp, and 14 of those were not labeled correctly, excluding the country of origin on the menu or denoting in signage that the shrimp was not from the nearest shrimp-filled waterway. 'What was shocking to me,' said SEAD COO Erin Williams, 'is that six of the 24 restaurants were blatantly being deceptive by labeling dishes as 'Gulf shrimp' (not just implying it through décor, location, and imagery), and served the SEAD investigation team imported shrimp instead.' This fraudulent practice not only misleads consumers but undermines Louisiana's shrimping industry. Shreveport is not as close to the Gulf as Louisiana's southernmost city, but that's not an excuse for passing off imported shrimp as if they were sourced from closer waterways. However, choosing the often 'cheaper' shrimp option instead of Gulf shrimp impacts Louisiana fishermen who are already fighting against environmental challenges, as well as those who earn their keep sourcing seafood. 'This is a blow to the culture of Louisiana, where authenticity in food is paramount,' said Rodney Olander, Chairman of the Louisiana Shrimp Task Force. 'When consumers are misled, it hurts local shrimpers and damages the reputation of our beloved seafood industry. We have the support of Southern Louisiana, but clearly not the entire state.' So if you want to eat Gulf shrimp that hasn't traveled, been frozen, or processed to get to your plate, the following local restaurants serve authentic Gulf shrimp. Chuck Wagon Crawfish, Copeland's of New Orleans (E. Bert Kouns Industrial Loop), The Crabby Crawfish, Drago's Seafood Restaurant, Flying Burger and Seafood, The Noble Savage, and Oyster Bar & Grille. In the Louisiana study, the restaurants found to be serving imported shrimp without proper menu labeling on signage were released to the Louisiana Department of Health for review and enforcement. The Louisiana Shrimp Task Force studies and monitors the shrimp industry and makes recommendations to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
