How is India Securing Its Skies and Breaching Enemy Airspace with Ease?

New Delhi, May 9 (NationPress) The extraordinary standoff at the Line of Control (LoC) and adjacent borders, following India's destruction of nine terrorist camps in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) and Pakistan, witnessed a significant onslaught of missiles, drones, and various munitions launched from across the border on Thursday night. However, India successfully intercepted and neutralized all threats in mid-air, ensuring that not a single missile reached Indian soil and failed to achieve its intended targets.

Recently, the Indian armed forces executed precise strikes on critical terrorist hubs across the border, effectively hitting and dismantling them with remarkable accuracy.

This operation conveyed a powerful message globally – India is not only safeguarding its skies but also possesses the capability to penetrate enemy airspace with exceptional precision.

The transformation of India’s air defence capabilities can be attributed to the Narendra Modi administration, which has consistently focused on modernizing the security framework by phasing out outdated war reserves and integrating a new, state-of-the-art arsenal.

India's success in countering Pakistan’s multi-faceted attacks has largely hinged on the deployment of the Russian S-400 systems and Rafale jets.

Notably, both of these advanced systems became integral to India’s defence architecture under the NDA government, reportedly at the insistence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The swift, coordinated response exhibited by the armed forces was made possible due to the air defence network that has been meticulously developed over the past 11 years under the Modi administration.

The Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumf systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, and DRDO’s anti-drone technologies were seamlessly integrated to create an aerial shield that thwarted every attempt by Pakistan to strike military facilities in India.

During 'Operation Sindoor,' when India targeted terror hubs, the security forces obliterated a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence unit in Lahore, severely damaging crucial radar installations.

Here’s how India fortified its air defence framework.

The level of readiness did not occur overnight. Since 2014, the government led by PM Modi has systematically upgraded India's air defence infrastructure, made significant defence acquisitions, and modernized its military operations.

Key acquisitions:

In 2024, the Army installed Man Portable Counter Drone Systems (MPCDS) to jam and disable hostile UAVs.

In 2018, a contract worth Rs 35,000 crore was finalized for five squadrons of S-400 Triumf. Presently, three squadrons are operational at the borders with China and Pakistan.

In 2017, India procured Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM) as part of a $2.5 billion agreement with Israel. These missiles now protect vital frontline bases such as Bhatinda.

The induction of indigenous Akash missile batteries and DRDO-developed counter-drone systems has further enhanced India's capabilities.

Innovative Indian Technology in Modern Warfare:

Loitering munitions (kamikaze or suicide drones) were commissioned in 2021 and are now manufactured domestically. These drones executed simultaneous, precision strikes across various sectors, catching Pakistan’s defences completely off guard.

Furthermore, Israeli-origin Harop drones, now produced locally, were employed to target and eliminate air defence assets in Karachi and Lahore.

These platforms, combined with the strategic deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, showcased India’s ability to project military power with surgical precision.

Significantly, 'Operation Sindoor' communicated to the world that India is not merely capable of defending its skies; it now exercises control over them.

This achievement is a testament to the government's unwavering commitment to establishing a robust, multi-layered air defence ecosystem.