Operation Sindoor was a watershed milestone in India’s growing military policy, demonstrating a decisive and technologically advanced counterstrike in reaction to the deadly Pahalgam terror incident on April 22, 2025, that killed 26 civilians. The Indian government blamed the attack on Pakistan-based terrorist groups, raising bilateral tensions and prompting a deliberate military reaction.
Triggered by the Pahalgam massacre, Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, with the explicit objective of dismantling terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Indian forces targeted nine terror camps linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen, employing precision weaponry to ensure the strikes remained focused and non-escalatory, deliberately avoiding Pakistani military assets to limit the risk of broader conflict.
Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, formally acknowledged the company’s frontline involvement in Operation Sindoor at the 2025 Annual General Meeting. Adani Defence’s technology assets contributed significantly to both the offensive and defensive aspects of the operation.
The SkyStriker Kamikaze drone, created in collaboration with Adani Group’s Alpha Design Technologies (26% owned by Adani Defence) and Israel’s Elbit Systems, was a valuable asset. These electric-powered drones were developed for stealth and precision, carrying 5-10 kilogram warheads and capable of loitering over targets before launching pinpoint strikes. SkyStrikers, which were launched from Indian soil and guided by real-time intelligence, let the Indian Armed Forces to neutralize high-value terror targets deep within hostile territory.
Adani referred to these drones as “the eyes in the skies as well as the swords of attack,” emphasizing their dual function in surveillance and precision engagement. The use of indigenous loitering munitions marked a substantial improvement in India’s ability to undertake surgical, intelligence-driven counter-terrorism operations.
Anticipating retaliatory drone and munition assaults, Indian military used a vehicle-mounted counter-drone device developed by Adani Defence in partnership with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). This device, unveiled at Aero India 2025, combines modern sensors, a high-energy laser for accurate drone neutralisation, and a 7.62 mm rifle to engage aerial threats. The platform’s agility and real-time response capabilities enabled Indian forces to detect, categorize, and neutralize hostile drones, protecting troops and critical infrastructure throughout the operation.
The successful implementation of Operation Sindoor with minimum collateral escalation highlighted India’s increasing technological self-reliance and mature cooperation between its public and private defense sectors. The rapid development of powerful anti-drone systems in collaboration with DRDO and commercial corporations like as Adani Defence has put India on track to join the United States and Israel as nations with fully operational, battlefield-proven counter-drone capabilities.
Military insiders described the attacks as “hell on fire,” indicating a significant shift from previous restraint and a clear message of deterrence to rivals. The action also caused considerable interruptions in civilian airspace and increased military mobilisation across India, demonstrating the scope and gravity of the response.
Gautam Adani’s statements at the AGM emphasized not only the company’s technological accomplishments, but also its dedication to national security and reform. He emphasized that Adani Defence operates “where it matters—where India needs us the most,” and that the nation’s freedom and growth are dependent on the sacrifices made by its armed services. Adani’s words emphasized the private sector’s rise as a visible and important player in India’s defense ecosystem.
Adani Defence’s participation in Operation Sindoor represents the changing realities of Indian defence: an emphasis on local innovation, quick capability creation, and seamless public-private collaboration. The operation’s success, which was based on technological prowess and strategic clarity, not only sent a powerful message to adversaries but also established a new standard for India’s counter-terrorism and defense preparation.
