India’s Air Defence System Repels Wave of Pakistani Drones
Indian Army Downs Over 600 Pakistani Drones in Operation Sindoor
Last week saw a tense standoff along the India-Pakistan border as Pakistan launched a swarm of drones, some armed, in an attempt to test India’s air defence network and deplete its ammunition reserves. The Indian Army, however, successfully repelled the drone waves, showcasing the strength and effectiveness of its air defence systems.
Over 600 Drones Downed
According to a report by The Times of India, the Indian Army mobilized over 1,000 air defence (AD) gun systems and 750 short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems to counter the persistent drone threat. This rapid deployment shifted the multi-layered air defence system from peacetime to full operational readiness, effectively thwarting the Pakistani drone attacks.
Shattering the Myth of Drone Supremacy
A senior Army Air Defence official highlighted the success of the operation, stating, “The operation not only safeguarded vital military and civilian infrastructure but also shattered the myth of drone supremacy. It has shown that Indian boots on the ground, backed by indigenous technology and rigorous training, can defend the skies with unmatched precision.”
Pakistan’s Strategy and Its Failure
Pakistan’s strategy involved overwhelming India’s air defence grid with a swarm of drones, gathering real-time intelligence, and targeting population centers, military assets, and places of worship. However, their efforts were unsuccessful. An official explained, “Pakistan’s strategy was to overwhelm India’s integrated air defence grid, gather real-time intelligence, and target population centres, military assets and places of worship. But it failed spectacularly.”
The official also revealed that India strategically limits the use of its advanced radar systems to prevent adversaries from detecting their electronic signatures. Additionally, high-end systems like the S-400 and Barak-8 MR-SAM are reserved for more significant threats, leaving less sophisticated systems to handle low-value targets like small drones.
Old Systems Prove Effective
Surprisingly, older air defence systems, like the L-70 anti-aircraft guns, ZU-23mm twin-barrel guns, and upgraded Schilka units, played a crucial role in the success against the Pakistani drones. This demonstrates the effectiveness of these “legacy” systems and their continued relevance in modern warfare.
Akash Missiles Play a Key Role
India’s indigenous Akash air defence missile systems, with a 25-km interception range, proved instrumental in countering larger threats, including Turkish-made Byker Yiha III kamikaze drones. Their reliable performance added another crucial layer of defence against these sophisticated airborne adversaries.
