Operation Sindoor, which was conducted by the Indian Army last week, witnessed the integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence. In what seems to be the advent of modern warfare, India has markedly moved towards technological self-reliance in military operations. Apart from indigenous drones, unmanned aerial systems, air defence systems and other radars contributed to the tactical brilliance of the Indian army to strike enemy establishments. The Indian Government has also stated that the Indian drone market is projected to reach $11 billion by 2030, accounting for 12.2% of the global drone market.
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Technology That was Used in Operation Sindoor
Drones were a large part of the Operation Sindoor, and Made in India fuelled by the ban on imported drones and the launch of the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme catalyzed rapid innovation, says the Indian Government.
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“The scheme of Production Linked Incentive for drones and drone components of Ministry of Civil Aviation was notified on 30th September, 2021 with a total incentive of Rs 120 crores spread over three Financial Years (FYs), FY 2021-22 to FY 2023-24.[10] The future lies in autonomous drones with Al-driven decision-making, and India is already laying the groundwork,” says a statement from the Indian Government.
Some of the popular technology used in the war were was follows:
- Air Defence systems detect, track, and neutralise threats using a network of radars, control centres, artillery, and both aircraft- and ground-based missiles.
- Indigenous systems such as the Akash, which is a short range surface to air missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks, can simultaneously engage multiple targets in group mode or autonomous mode. The Indian Government adds that the entire weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms.
- Loitering munitions also known as “suicide drones” or “kamikaze drones” hovered over or circled target areas, searching for a suitable target before attacking.
- Indian Air Force bypassed and jammed Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems, completing the mission in just 23 minutes, demonstrating India’s technological edge, says the Government
Companies Involved in Making Drones in India
Some of the companies that collaborated with the Indian Government to build the drones that were used in Operation Sindoor and are part of the Drone Federation India (DFI), a premier industry body representing over 550 drone companies and 5500 drone pilots, are as follows:
- Alpha Design Technologies based in Bengaluru partnered with Israel’s Elbit Systems to build SkyStriker.
- Paras Defence and Space Technologies operates within the defence and space segments, distinguished by Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM) Capabilities.
- IG Drones is a Drone Technology Company for manufacturing and R&D of drones, founded by Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, has partnered with Indian Army, Government of India, multiple State Governments, among others.
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In addition to these companies, V Narayanan, Chairman, ISRO mentioned that at least 10 satellites were continuously working round-the-clock for the strategic purpose to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country.
