Operation Sindoor and India’s Raksha Kavach
On the night of May 7-8, 2025, Pakistan launched a daring aerial attack on 15 Indian cities, including Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Jaisalmer, and other border areas, using swarms of drones and missiles. The assault targeted Indian military bases and civilian areas in retaliation for India’s Operation Sindoor, a precise strike on terrorist camps in Pakistan and PoK. India’s multi-layered air defence systems completely foiled this attack. While the Russian-made S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” played a significant role, the true heroes were India’s indigenous systems, including AKASH, L-70, MRSAM, and DRDO’s Counter UAS D4. These “Make in India” marvels not only neutralized Pakistan’s aggression but also showcased India’s technological prowess and self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
A Glorious Display of Indian Ingenuity
India’s air defence system, often referred to as a modern “Raksha Kavach” (protective shield), integrates indigenous, imported, and co-developed technologies to counter diverse aerial threats. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), in collaboration with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), has developed a robust system considered capable of matching global standards. On May 8, 2025, this system proved its strength and capability by intercepting every hostile projectile, ensuring no damage to Indian assets.
AKASH Missile System: The Pride of DRDO
The AKASH Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) system, developed by DRDO, emerged as the cornerstone of India’s defence against Pakistan’s drone swarms. Inducted into the Indian Army and Air Force in 2009, AKASH is a medium-range SAM capable of targeting aircraft, missiles, and drones at ranges of 45-70 km and altitudes up to 18 km. Each AKASH battery, equipped with the Rajendra 3D radar, can track 64 targets and destroy 12 simultaneously.
Reports indicate that AKASH neutralized most of Pakistan’s drones, with military officials praising its accuracy and reliability. India possesses over 15,000 AKASH missiles, deployed at strategic airbases and border posts in sensitive areas like Jammu and Kashmir. Costing approximately ₹2.5 crore per unit, AKASH is a cost-effective example of indigenous innovation. Its advanced Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) ensure resilience against jamming, making it a foundation of India’s air defence strategy.
MRSAM: A Lethal Indo-Israeli Collaboration
The Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM) system, co-developed by DRDO and Israel Aerospace Industries, extended India’s defensive range during the attack. Capable of destroying targets up to 70-100 km away, MRSAM’s supersonic missiles provide robust protection against high-speed threats. Integrated into the Indian Air Force and Navy since 2021, MRSAM is deployed on mobile platforms like trucks and ships, covering areas up to 2,000 km². Its deployment at key airbases played a critical role in thwarting Pakistan’s missiles, reflecting India’s strategic foresight in blending global partnerships with local innovation.
L-70 Anti-Aircraft Gun: The Unsung Hero
The L-70 Anti-Aircraft Gun, manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro under license from Sweden’s Bofors, proved its utility by shooting down several Pakistani drones, particularly in Jammu. Upgraded with modern radars and fire-control systems, the L-70 can target threats up to 4 km away. India operates over 1,000 such guns, strategically positioned in Jammu and Kashmir, Northeast India, and along the Line of Control. Beyond kinetic strikes, the L-70’s ability to jam drone navigation systems disrupted Pakistan’s swarm strategy, rendering their attack ineffective. Viral social media videos of L-70s in action have become a testament to India’s defensive resilience.
DRDO’s D4 Counter UAS: The Future of Drone Defence
DRDO’s D4 Counter Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS), developed by BEL, is a cutting-edge example of India’s anti-drone technology. Mounted on trucks for rapid deployment, the D4 system can detect, track, and neutralize micro and small UAVs through soft-kill (jamming) and hard-kill (destruction) methods. Its successful use on May 8, 2025, validated DRDO’s progress in addressing emerging warfare strategies. Deployed along India’s western borders, the D4 system highlights India’s innovation capabilities.
S-400: The Strategic Umbrella
While indigenous systems garnered attention, the S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” provided a long-range protective umbrella. Procured from Russia, the S-400 can detect targets 600 km away and intercept them within 400 km, neutralizing up to 80 threats simultaneously. With four squadrons deployed in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Gujarat, the S-400 neutralized 15 Pakistani missiles, ensuring no breach of Indian airspace. Its advanced radars and interceptor missiles forced Pakistani assets to retreat, affirming India’s strategic dominance.
Raksha Kavach: A Symbol of Sanatan Strength
India’s air defence victory is not merely a military triumph; it reflects the enduring ethos of Sanatan Dharma, emphasizing protection and resilience. The “Raksha Kavach” concept, showcased at Aero India 2025, draws inspiration from the divine shields of ancient scriptures, symbolizing India’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding its people. By blending Vedic wisdom with modern technology, India has created a defence system that not only counters external threats but also inspires national pride.
A Message to the World
Pakistan’s failed assault, contrasted with India’s retaliatory strike that destroyed a Lahore air defence site using Harop and Harpy drones, underscores India’s military superiority. The seamless integration of AKASH, MRSAM, L-70, D4, and S-400 systems highlights India’s multi-layered defence strategy, far surpassing Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese HQ-9 systems. This victory reestablishes India as a global leader in defence innovation, with DRDO’s contributions paving the way for a self-reliant India.
As we celebrate this triumph, let us honor the scientists, engineers, and soldiers who embody the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat. Their dedication ensures that India remains an impregnable fortress, ready to defend its sovereignty against any adversary. Jai Hind!