(GIST OF YOJANA) Rise of Aatmanirbhar innovation in National Security

GIST OF YOJANA : Rise of Aatmanirbhar innovation in National Security

JUNE-2025

Rise of Aatmanirbhar innovation in National Security

Context:

Operation SINDOOR emerged as a calibrated military response to an evolving pattern of asymmetric warfare, one that increasingly targets unarmed civilians along with military personnel. India's response was deliberate, precise, and strategic Without crossing the Line of Control or international boundary, the Indian forces struck terrorist infrastructure and eliminated multiple threats. However, beyond tactical brilliance, what stood out was the seamless integration of indigenous hi-tech systems into national defence.

Air Defence Capabilities: Tech as the First Line of Protection

Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter DAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid and Air Defence systems.
Air Defence systems detect, track, and neutralise threats using a network of radars, control centres, artillery, and both aircraft- and ground-based missiles.
On the morning of May 8, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. An Air Defence system at Lahore was neutralised.

Performance of Systems

As part of Operation SINDOOR the following were used:

Battle-proven AD (Air Defence) systems like the Pechora. OSA-AK and LLAD guns (Low-level air defence guns).
Indigenous systems such as the Akash, which demonstrated stellar performance.

About Akash Missile System

Akash is a Short Range Surface to Air Missile system to protect vulnerable areas and vulnerable points from air attacks.
The AKASH Weapon System can simultaneously engage Multiple Targets in Group Mode or Autonomous Mode.
It has built in Electronic Counter-Counter Measures (ECCM) features. The entire weapon system has been configured on mobile platforms.

India's Air Defence Systems, combining assets from the Army, Navy, and primarily the Air Force, performed with exceptional synergy. These systems created an impenetrable wall, foiling multiple attempts by Pakistan to retaliate.
The Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) of the Indian Air Force brought all these elements together, providing the net-centric operational capability vital for modern warfare.

Evidence of Neutralised Threats

Operation SINDOOR also produced concrete evidence of hostile technologies neutralised by Indian systems:

Pieces of PL-15 missiles (of Chinese origin)
Turkish-origin UAVs, named ‘Yiha’ or ‘YEEHAW’
Long-range rockets, quadcopters and commercial drones

Preparedness and Coordination:

Since precise strikes on terrorists were conducted without crossing the Line of Control or International Boundary, it was anticipated Pakistan's response would come from across the border.

A unique blend of Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems, Electronic Warfare assets, and Air Defence Weapons from both Army and Air Force
Multiple defensive layers from the International Boundary inward:

Counter Unmanned Aerial Systems
Shoulder-Fired Weapons
Legacy Air Defence Weapons
Modern Air Defence Weapon Systems

Conclusion:

The fusion of private-sector innovation, public-sector execution, and military vision has enabled India to not only defend its people and territory but also assert its role as a hi-tech military power in the 21" century. In future conflicts, the battlefield will increasingly be shaped by technology. And India, as shown in Operation SINDOOR, is ready, armed with its own innovations, backed by a determined state, and powered by the ingenuity of its people.