Source: INDIANEXPRESS

Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.

Context

The operation Sindoor was launched in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack where Pakistani terrorists targeted innocent civilians.

Targeted 21 terror camps across nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

Objective

Deliver justice for victims of terror.

Destroy terror infrastructure operated by groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Dismantle Pakistan’s narrative of plausible deniability via proxy terror groups.

Features of the Operation

Precision Strikes

Conducted using advanced long-range precision-guided munitions.

Minimal Collateral Damage

Use of niche-technology weapons with carefully selected warheads.

Targets

Markaz Subhan Allah (JeM base in Bahawalpur)

Markaz Taiba (LeT base in Muridke)

Mehmoona Joya (HM base in Sialkot)

India’s Precision-Guided Long-Range Arsenal

1. HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range)

Air-to-ground precision-guided bomb

Platform: Rafale fighter jets

Range: Up to 70 km

Origin: France (Safran Group)

 Features: Jamming-resistant, versatile for tactical targets. 

2. SCALP-EG (Storm Shadow)

Long-range air-launched cruise missile

Range: Approx. 450 km

Capabilities:

Stealth and terrain-following flight

Penetrates hardened bunkers

Platform: Rafale

Navigation: INS + GPS + Terrain Referencing 

3. METEOR

Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)

Range: Over 100 km

Features:

Ramjet propulsion

High ‘No Escape Zone’

Works in high electronic warfare environments 

4. BRAHMOS

Type: Supersonic cruise missile

Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0

Range: Up to 500 km (extended versions)

Warhead: 200–300 kg conventional

Platforms: Land, air, sea

Features: Fire-and-forget, low-altitude flight, high precision 

5. LOITERING MUNITIONS (Kamikaze Drones)

Use: Reconnaissance + precision strike

Function: Hover over targets, strike on identification

Significance: Reduces exposure of personnel, enables covert deep-strike capability

Strategic Implications of Operation Sindoor

Shift in Strategic Posture

Goes beyond retaliating for a single incident (Pahalgam).

Targets permanent and ideological centres of terror over two decades. 

Precision Without Escalation

India targeted non-military assets to maintain escalation control.

Avoided direct hits on Pakistani military infrastructure.

Extension of Operational Depth

Unlike 2016 (Uri) and 2019 (Balakot), strikes in Sindoor went deeper into Pakistani territory, crossing both LoC and International Border.

Diplomatic and Legal Dimensions

Deterrence Messaging

Challenges Pakistan’s assumed immunity behind nuclear posturing.

Reinforces India’s right to self-defence under Article 51 of UN Charter.

 FATF and Terror Accountability

Operation Sindoor indirectly highlights Pakistan’s superficial compliance with FATF obligations. 

References to terrorists like Sajid Mir underline the duplicity of Pakistan’s counter-terror claims. 

Comparative Analysis with Past Operations

 Sources:

INDIANEXPRESS