Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor

Source:  DH

Context: India conducted ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting 21 terror camps across 9 locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

• The strikes used precision-guided missiles like SCALP, HAMMER, BrahMos, and loitering munitions, ensuring minimal collateral damage.

About Precision-Guided Missiles in Operation Sindoor:

• What is Operation Sindoor?

• • A retaliatory military operation carried out by India using precision missile strikes against terrorist infrastructure.
  • It demonstrated India’s resolve against cross-border terrorism, with strategic restraint to avoid civilian/military casualties.

• Key Missiles Used in Operation Sindoor

1. SCALP Cruise Missile (Storm Shadow)
   • Manufacturer: MBDA (France)
   • Range: ~450 km
   • Features:
     • Air-launched, deep-strike cruise missile with stealth capabilities.
     • Guided by INS + GPS + terrain referencing + infrared seeker.
     • Ideal for fixed hardened targets like command centres or bunkers.
     • Operates in all weather and at low altitude, reducing radar detection.

2. HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range)
   • Manufacturer: Safran (France)
   • Range: ~70 km
   • Features:
     • All-weather guided glide bomb usable from Rafale aircraft.
     • Compatible with various bomb weights (125–1000 kg).
     • Resistant to jamming, autonomous with INS/GPS/laser/IR guidance.
     • Effective for close air support and deep-strike missions.

3. BrahMos Supersonic Cruise Missile
   • Manufacturer: BrahMos Aerospace (India-Russia JV)
   • Speed: ~Mach 2.8–3
   • Range: Up to 450–500 km (recently extended)
   • Features:
     • Operates on “fire-and-forget” principle.
     • Carries 200–300 kg conventional warhead.
     • Penetrates deep and strikes targets within minutes.
     • Used by all three services: Army, Navy, and Air Force.

4. Loitering Munitions (Kamikaze Drones)
   • Use: Surveillance + precise attack after target identification.
   • Features:
     • Can hover over a battlefield and strike opportunistically.
     • Effective against mobile or time-sensitive targets.
     • Enhances tactical advantage with minimal risk to personnel.