During four days of increased fighting in May 2025, the Indian Army’s air defense units accomplished a major operational milestone as part of ‘Operation Sindoor’ by taking out more than 600 Pakistani drones along the western border.
In response to Indian missile strikes that targeted nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which were in turn a reaction to a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that claimed 26 Indian lives, Pakistan launched this massive drone incursion.
In response, the Indian Army quickly and thoroughly deployed its air defense system, deploying 750 short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems, more than 1,000 artillery systems, and a large number of radars.
The multi-layered air defense grid was quickly moved from a peacetime posture to full combat preparedness, using legacy weaponry and indigenous systems like Akash and Akashteer.
Pakistan’s attempts to overwhelm the air defense system with waves of drone swarms were thwarted by Indian troops’ ability to intercept and destroy over 600 drones while repelling the rest thanks to this strong network.
In addition to safeguarding critical military and civilian infrastructure, senior Army Air Defence officials emphasized that the operation disproved the notion that drone warfare was superior. The purpose of the Pakistani drone swarms, many of which were armed, was to map and test India’s air defense radar system, obtain real-time intelligence, and compel India to use up its ammunition supplies.
Ammunition supplies were adequate to meet the task, though, thanks to Indian readiness, which had been strengthened by both routine and emergency purchases during the preceding five years.
Tactical prudence characterized Indian air defense policy; high-end systems such as the Russian S-400 and Barak-8 MR-SAM were not used against low-value drone targets, saving their capabilities for situations with greater threat.
The exercise strengthened India’s deterrence posture and operational readiness by showcasing the efficiency of domestic technology and the thorough training of Indian personnel.
With both sides using cutting-edge drone and missile systems in a swift escalation, the episode signaled the beginning of a new era in the Indo-Pakistani military competition.
India’s layered air defense response effectively countered Pakistan’s strategy, which sought to gather intelligence and damage Indian military and civilian targets. This resulted in a four-day ceasefire and sent a clear message about India’s resolve against aerial threats and cross-border terrorism.
