What Led to Operation Sindoor's Maximum Impact with Less than 50 Weapons?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Operation Sindoor involved less than 50 weapons for maximum impact.
- The operation was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.
- Strategic planning began swiftly after the attack.
- Both nations reached a ceasefire after a series of exchanges.
- The initiative reflects a shift towards greater transparency in military operations.
New Delhi, Aug 30 (NationPress) In an exceptional public revelation, the Indian Air Force has provided insights into the classified military operation that ensued after the tragic April 22 terror incident in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in the loss of 26 lives.
At the NDTV Defence Summit, Vice Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari unveiled new footage and operational specifics of Operation Sindoor - India's precise strikes against terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
"Planning commenced almost immediately following the attack. On April 23, all three branches of the armed forces gathered at their respective headquarters to evaluate potential options. By April 24, a senior team had reviewed various contingency strategies, many of which had been prepped for quick activation. Tactical preparations escalated over the following days, and by April 29, nine critical targets were identified. The date for the strike was set for May 5. From May 6 to 9, Indian forces carried out a series of deliberate strikes," he stated.
As per Air Marshal Tiwari, fewer than 50 weapons were utilized to accomplish what he termed as "conflict elimination".
"The goal was unequivocal: deliver a robust and visible reply, deter impending attacks, and grant the armed forces complete operational independence - even amidst possible escalation. Pakistan retaliated with attempted strikes on Indian military bases on May 8, 9, and 10. These were met with strong counter-attacks, targeting numerous Pakistani military facilities," he elaborated.
After four days of intense cross-border drone and missile exchanges, both countries reached an agreement on May 10 to cease hostilities.
"This is the first occasion since Operation Sindoor that the Air Force is publicly addressing this matter," Tiwari noted, underlining the strategic restraint and precision that characterized the operation.
"We narrowed our focus to nine targets. In less than 50 weapons, we achieved conflict elimination," he asserted.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, also present at the summit, underscored the increasing significance of air defense in contemporary warfare.
He introduced the Sudarshan Chakra mission - an ambitious project designed to enhance India's defensive and offensive capabilities.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had unveiled the initiative during his Independence Day address, shortly after Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir allegedly hinted at targeting Indian assets in future confrontations.
Operation Sindoor signifies a pivotal moment in India's military doctrine: a combination of speed, precision, and strategic messaging. It also heralds a new age of transparency in defense matters, with the Air Force stepping forward to disclose its role in protecting national security.