Op Sindoor lasted from for approx 88 hours from 07 to 10 May 2025, a brief but intense conflict between India and Pakistan, sparked by the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir. The operation was launched on May 7, 2025, targeting nine locations across the LoC and the IB. Below is a detailed examination of some of the main weapons systems reportedly used by India, including their roles, specifications, and significance in the conflict.

BrahMos Cruise Missiles

BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile developed jointly by India and Russia, is renowned for its speed of up to Mach 2.8 and high accuracy. In the 2025 conflict, BrahMos missiles were likely used in precision strikes on Pakistani military installations, marking their first combat deployment. Targets included air bases like Rafiqui, Murid, and Nur Khan, and radar installations in Pasrur and Sialkot. This underscored BrahMos’ role as a deterrent, capable of penetrating deep into enemy territory while minimizing collateral damage.

S-400 Missile System

The S-400 Triumf, a Russian long-range surface-to-air missile system, is among the world’s most advanced air defense systems. Acquired by India in 2018, it was deployed during the 2025 conflict to counter Pakistani missile and drone attacks. On May 7-8, the S-400, nicknamed “Sudarshan Chakra,” intercepted Pakistani missiles targeting Indian military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Amritsar . The S-400’s combat debut highlighted its critical role in protecting India’s strategic assets, reinforcing its importance in modern air defense against diverse aerial threats.

Akash Missile System

The Akash missile system, an indigenous medium-range surface-to-air missile developed by DRDO, was crucial during the recent conflict for countering Pakistani drone and missile attacks. Deployed along the western border and Line of Control, it neutralised threats during Operation Sindoor. The DGMO praised its “stellar performance” on May 12, 2025 noting its effectiveness against drones and missiles. Dr. Prahlada Ramarao, its chief designer, highlighted its accuracy and reliability. With a 25 km range and 20 km altitude capability, the system uses a missile launcher, radar, and command center for multi-target engagement. Its mobility and weather adaptability make it versatile. The conflict showcased India’s self-reliance in defense, with Akash proving its mettle. Its success boosted confidence in indigenous systems, encouraging further development and deployment, enhancing India’s air defense capabilities against regional threats.

Sky Striker Loitering Munitions

SkyStriker, an Indo-Israeli loitering munition developed by Alpha Design Technologies Limited and Elbit Systems, is a suicide drone designed for precision strikes. During Operation Sindoor, SkyStriker drones targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Capable of carrying a 5-10 kg warhead and operating within a 100 km range, these drones were deployed for their ability to loiter and strike with surgical precision. Their use marked a shift toward cost-effective, unmanned systems in India’s military strategy.

Harop Loitering Munitions

Adani Defence’s Harop, originally an Israeli loitering munition produced by Israel Aerospace Industries, is a suicide drone designed for long-range precision strikes. In Op Sindoor, India reportedly used Harop drones to target Pakistani military facilities, including air defence systems in Lahore. Pakistan claimed to have downed 25 Harop drones across cities like Karachi and Lahore, though India confirmed only one loss. This deployment underscores India’s strategic partnership with Israel in defence technology.

D4 Anti-Drone System

The D4 Anti-Drone System, developed by DRDO, is designed to detect, deter, and destroy drones, playing a vital role in the 2025 conflict against Pakistani drone attacks. Part of India’s air defense shield, it uses radar, radio frequency detection, and electro-optical tools for high-accuracy tracking. It employs a dual-layered kill mechanism: first, a “soft kill” via jamming and spoofing to disrupt drone navigation, followed by a “hard kill” if needed. Inducted into all three services, it was instrumental in neutralizing drone threats, protecting military and civilian areas. PM Modi hailed its use on May 13, 2025, emphasizing its role in Operation Sindoor. Its development reflects India’s focus on countering asymmetric threats, with its effectiveness demonstrated in thwarting Pakistani drone swarms. The D4 system’s success underscores its importance in modern warfare, ensuring air superiority and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

During  Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly also used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and high-speed target drones designed to mimic fighter jets to deceive Pakistani air defenses. The specific drones identified in reports include:-

Lakshya. An indigenously developed high-speed target drone by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It is designed to simulate fighter jet radar and infrared signatures, making it effective for deception operations.

Banshee Jet 40+. A British-made high-speed target drone in service with the Indian armed forces, also used to replicate the behavior of fighter jets and trigger enemy air defense responses.

These “dummy jets” were deployed to trick Pakistan’s air defense systems, such as the HQ-9 missile batteries, into activating their radars, which were then targeted by Indian forces using loitering munitions like the Israeli Harop drones and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This tactic was part of a broader strategy to expose and neutralize Pakistani air defense networks without risking manned aircraft.

There are claims that Pakistan’s assertion of shooting down five Indian fighter jets may have stemmed from mistaking these decoy drones for actual aircraft, even as Pakistan has not provided conclusive evidence to support its claims.