In News:

On May 7, 2025, the Indian Armed Forces launched Operation Sindoor, a coordinated precision strike on terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a response to the killing of civilians in Pahalgam by Pakistan-backed terrorists.

Key Facts:

• 21 terror camps across 9 locations were targeted.
• Advanced niche-technology weapons were employed to ensure minimal collateral damage.
• The operation highlights India's evolving capability in long-range, precision-guided weaponry.

Major Precision-Guided Weapons in India’s Arsenal

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

• Origin: France (by Safran)
• Platform: Integrated with Rafale fighter jets
• Range: Up to 70 km
• Features:
  • All-weather precision
  • Autonomous guidance
  • Jamming-resistant
  • Operable at low altitude over rough terrains
• Role in Operation: Likely used for air-to-ground strikes on tactical targets.

2. SCALP (Storm Shadow in UK)

• Type: Air-launched stealth cruise missile
• Origin: Europe (by MBDA)
• Range: Up to 450 km
• Navigation: Uses INS, GPS, and terrain referencing
• Capabilities:
  • Bunker-penetration
  • Low radar signature
  • All-weather and night operable
• Relevance: Designed for deep precision strikes, ideal for hardened terrorist infrastructure.

3. METEOR

• Type: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM)
• Origin: MBDA (Europe)
• Propulsion: Solid-fuel ramjet for sustained high-speed interception
• Special Feature: Large No-Escape Zone, effective in electronic warfare conditions
• Use Case: Enhances air superiority and can neutralize enemy aircraft before visual contact.

4. BRAHMOS Supersonic Cruise Missile

• Developed by: DRDO (India) and NPOM (Russia) under BrahMos Aerospace
• Speed: Mach 2.8–3.0
• Range: Initially 290 km, now extended to 450–500 km after India’s MTCR entry
• Warhead: 200–300 kg
• Platforms: Compatible with land, sea, and air platforms
• Features:
  • Fire-and-Forget
  • Precision strike at low terminal altitude (~10 m)
• Strategic Role: Provides rapid, stealthy, and accurate strikes across the services.

5. Loitering Munitions ("Kamikaze Drones")

• Function: Combines surveillance and strike capabilities
• Features:
  • Can loiter over target zones
  • Autonomous or semi-autonomous targeting
  • High precision against time-sensitive or mobile targets
• Adoption: Increasing induction across the Army, Navy, and Air Force