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Economic Times
4 days 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
4 days 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
4 days 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.
News18
5 days ago
- Politics
- News18
‘India Showed The World What Self-Reliance In Warfare Looks Like': John Spencer On Op Sindoor
Last Updated: US defence expert Spencer said Op Sindoor validated India's defence self-reliance, exposed Pakistan's proxy dependency, and dealt a credibility blow to China's weapons export model India has arrived as a self-reliant military power—and Operation Sindoor proved it. That is the verdict of John Spencer, one of the world's foremost experts on modern warfare and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at West Point's Modern War Institute. In his detailed analysis titled India's Operation Sindoor: A Battlefield Verdict on Chinese Weapons—And India's Victory, Spencer on Thursday described India's military response to the 22 April terror attack in Pahalgam as not merely retaliatory, but as a strategic stress test of India's defence ecosystem—and a moment of reckoning for Chinese military exports. Far from a limited tactical operation, Spencer argued, Operation Sindoor marked India's emergence as a sovereign military power capable of fielding, operating, and succeeding with an indigenous arsenal under full-spectrum combat pressure. 'India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built, and deployed with unmatched battlefield control," he wrote. 'Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence." INDIA'S ARSENAL: DESIGNED AT HOME, PROVEN UNDER FIRE According to Spencer, the defining feature of India's success in Operation Sindoor was not just military precision—it was total control over the tools of war. A decade of strategic investment under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat had, he wrote, materialised into a self-sufficient, combat-ready arsenal. Among the standout systems: This arsenal, Spencer wrote, reflected a complete and operational indigenous military ecosystem—one that fused technology, autonomy, and battlefield effectiveness. PAKISTAN'S COLLAPSE: A PROXY WAR, NOT A PEER FIGHT Spencer was sharply critical of Pakistan's performance, describing it as a textbook case of strategic overdependence on foreign systems—particularly those manufactured by China for export, not endurance. 'When challenged, these systems failed—exposing the strategic hollowness behind Islamabad's defence posture," he observed. The JF-17 Thunder, designed in China and assembled in Pakistan, was unable to compete with Indian air dominance. Its limited radar and payload capabilities were insufficient against India's electronic warfare systems and layered defences. Pakistan's air defence network—based almost entirely on Chinese systems—also collapsed under pressure: HQ-9 and HQ-16 SAMs, Chinese imitations of Russian S-300 and Buk platforms, failed to intercept incoming missiles or loitering drones. LY-80 and FM-90 short-range and medium-range systems were unable to detect or engage India's low-flying strikes. The CH-4 drones, widely used by Pakistan, were either jammed or destroyed. Spencer noted that Turkish drone operators were reportedly brought in, exposing Pakistan's reliance not only on foreign hardware, but also on overseas expertise to operate it. Even the F-16s, Pakistan's most capable aircraft, were absent from the battlefield due to US-imposed end-user restrictions prohibiting their use against India. Spencer argued this underscored the strategic fragility of nations reliant on conditional imports. The final blow, he wrote, came with the destruction of Pakistan's Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft, which crippled its aerial command and control. Spencer described it as a 'strategic blinding", adding that Pakistan lost not just equipment, but situational awareness itself. 'By the end of the campaign," he wrote, 'Pakistan had lost key radar stations, its premier AEW&C aircraft, dozens of drones, and its ability to contest Indian airspace." A STRATEGIC SIGNAL—AND A MARKET REACTION Spencer emphasised that Operation Sindoor was more than retaliation—it was a blueprint for 21st-century sovereign warfare. It showed what a country can achieve when it owns, operates, and refines its own systems across the full spectrum of warfare—from radar to response, missiles to ISR. 'India showed the world what self-reliance in modern warfare looks like—and proved that 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' works under fire," he wrote. The strategic signal had tangible consequences. Indian defence stocks surged: Paras Defence & Space rose 49 per cent in May. MTAR Technologies and Data Patterns also posted strong gains. In contrast, Chinese defence giants AVIC, NORINCO, and CETC saw dips in investor confidence, as the battlefield performance of their systems dented export credibility. THE STRATEGIC TAKEAWAY: INDIA HAS ARRIVED Spencer concluded that India not only retaliated, but delivered a strategic message—to adversaries and partners alike. 'This wasn't just retaliation," he wrote. 'It was India's proof-of-concept. A war waged and won on its own terms—with tools of its own making." For India, Operation Sindoor was not just a military success—it was a sovereign assertion of capability, credibility, and control. It proved that India's defence transformation is no longer aspirational. It is operational. Combat-tested. Real. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from politics to crime and society. Stay informed with the latest India news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : Atmanirbhar Bharat Indian defence industry Indian military Operation Sindoor Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: May 29, 2025, 13:44 IST News india 'India Showed The World What Self-Reliance In Warfare Looks Like': John Spencer On Op Sindoor
News18
15-05-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Using Nuclear Power To Blackmail Is Reckless': John Spencer Calls Out Pakistan
Last Updated: Retired United States Army officer John Spencer also emphasised India's new doctrine sets a clear red line regarding terrorist attacks launched from Pakistan into India. Retired United States Army officer and Chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the War Institute, John W Spencer has called out Pakistan for stooping to nuclear blackmail. Speaking to CNN-News18, Spencer highlighted that using nuclear power as a form of blackmail to support proxy wars against another nuclear-armed nation is 'reckless". Spencer also emphasised India's new doctrine sets a clear red line regarding terrorist attacks launched from Pakistan into India. 'Unlike the incidents in 2008, and 2001, India will no longer wait to respond. Instead, it will immediately target the terror sites and training camp locations to establish a level of deterrence. This approach is crucial, considering Pakistan's history of using proxy warfare by funding and sending terrorists into India," Spencer added. Did India end its military campaign pre-maturely?'Absolutely not. I think it was an absolutely right decision to end at that, also the way it was stated – India said we've halted at the request of Pakistan," says Warfare expert John Spencer (@SpencerGuard) @RShivshankar |… — News18 (@CNNnews18) May 15, 2025 Speaking to CNN-News18, Spencer noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stance on terrorism is very clear. 'Modi has stated that talks will not proceed while terrorism persists, which is a powerful statement reflecting India's firm position," he said. Additionally, Spencer discussed the aspect of India's military superiority within the new doctrine. He pointed out that this 'new India" is a 'strong India", having demonstrated superior military capability. 'India has successfully countered every attempt to attack civilian and military sites, leaving the Pakistani military unsuccessful," Spencer observed. 'Furthermore, India has shown the capability to not only attack terror sites first but also target Pakistani military sites using advanced systems. This strategic and operational superiority is indicative of India's strengthened military position and its readiness to respond decisively to threats," Spencer said. This comes a day after Spencer termed India's 'Operation Sindoor' 'a decisive victory in modern warfare" and said that the country has not yet declared the operation complete. He also said the new India hits back, while the India back in 2008 absorbed attacks and waited. In a lengthy X post, Spencer said India achieved a 'massive victory" in its operation against Pakistan. India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7 to destroy nine terror infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack. All subsequent retaliations to Pakistani offensives were carried out under 'Operation Sindoor'. On May 10, India and Pakistan announced reaching an understanding to stop all firings and military actions on land, air and sea, with effect from 5 pm that day. Watch India Pakistan Breaking News on CNN-News18. Get breaking news, in-depth analysis, and expert perspectives on everything from geopolitics to diplomacy and global trends. Stay informed with the latest world news only on News18. Download the News18 App to stay updated!
