Lessons from the Ops Sindoor
By Rohit Srivastava
On May 7, India avenged the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, where 26 Indians and one Nepali citizen lost their lives, by launching precision strike on nine targets across Pakistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This began four days long aerial battle between the two sides, wherein India damages 11 air bases of Pakistan, shot down multiple fighter jets including Chinese JF-17.
Pakistan failed to penetrate Indian airfields through its Turkish and Chinese drones and missiles. Indian air defence umbrella along with Indian electronic warfare systems were able to neutralize the drone swarms through kinetic and non-kinetic means. One days after the end of hostilities , IDI is making list of take aways from this short but intense conflict which would be studied by all leading militaries of the world. There are lessons for India. IDI has compiled a list of lesson given below.
1- We got exposed. We are armed for deterrence or to defensive offence. We have limited offensive capability to deny attrition battle by Pakistan.
2- We are armed for yesterday’s war. Our latest procurement trend suggest we are accepting changes in warfare.
3- Pakistan is well equipped to defend its self against India. It has equipped itself to exploit Indian soft spots on border areas.
4- Indian Electronic warfare and Air defence system are world class and are now battle tested against western and Chinese systems where India system dominated them.
5- India has the capability to become missile power. India needs to expedite development and induction of missile systems like BrahMos – NG, Air-Launched, Extended Range and Hypersonic versions ; tactical missiles Pralay, Nirbhay etc
6- Many legacy systems need to be demoted in priority. Maintain the fleet with least investment, no new capital investment. No new procurements of ICVs, Tanks, Combat helicopters, and especially 4th Gen fighters.
7- Move to 5th Gen Fighters in small numbers 4to 5 squadrons only and Co-develop 6th Gen fighter with Russia.
8- Equip Su-30 with 400 km range R-37M BVRAAM and BrahMos ALCM to make them more lethal platform. This would give Su-30 ability to hit complete depth of Pakistan from 100 km inside India.
9- Convert LCA into a missile/loitering munition carrier and ground attack aircraft. Don’t buy them in large number. 4/6 Squadrons.
10- Invest in FPV Drones( in million) - arm each infantry battalion with them; loitering ammunition, armed drone for attrition warfare.
11- EW is new strategic weapon. Approach towards EW needs to change. Invest to develop a EW protection wall on border to manage drones, and missiles from other sides.
Strategic Lessons
1- India is a nation with no natural friends. It is surrounded by hostile countries and ethnic and religious population.
2- India needs to revisit its relationships. There can be one or two strategic partners, Rest are just partners.
3- Indian need to develop mutually dependent strategic partnership. The partnership needs to be deep and so well integrated that standing together should be compulsion for both partners.
4- Accept India is not yet a regional power. India can’t exercise force beyond its borders.
5- Pakistan will always get support from US, EU, China whenever it is in trouble. They will priorities Pakistan over India. They know India needs them more than they need India.
6- Elimination of Pakistan should be our national long-term objective. It is achievable. What is created by force can be destroyed by it.
7- India is an inefficient power. Our major challenge is realizing our strengths and weaknesses and develop a comprehensive national power.
8- India needs to learn how to utilize its inherent strength.
