For the longest time, India has been the world’s second-largest arms importer, buying everything from fighter jets to missiles from countries like Russia, France, and Israel. But things are slowly changing. India’s arms imports have gone down by over 9% between 2015 and 2024. Why? Because the country is now laser-focused on becoming atmanirbhar (self-reliant) in defence manufacturing.
And this dream of self-reliance wasn’t just a slogan. It became a reality during Operation Sindoor, a four-day near-war between India and Pakistan that unfolded after the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam. In response, India launched precise military strikes on terror camps and even military installations deep inside Pakistan. But what truly stood out was India’s use of its very own, homegrown weapons.
Let’s take a closer look at the indigenous firepower that turned Operation Sindoor into a masterclass in modern warfare.
BrahMos: The Supersonic Game-Changer.
The BrahMos missile, a proud product of a joint venture between India’s DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia, made its battlefield debut during Operation Sindoor. On May 10, the Indian Air Force launched multiple BrahMos missiles targeting key Pakistani airbases. The results were nothing short of devastating – 20% of Pakistan’s air assets were reportedly destroyed, reported Firstpost.
It’s one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles, flying at speeds of Mach 2.8 to 3.0 – nearly three times the speed of sound. It can be launched from land, sea, or air and hits its target with pinpoint accuracy, with a margin of just one metre. It’s manufactured in India, and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh even called it “not just a weapon but a message of India’s military strength.”
Akash Missile System: India’s Answer To The Iron Dome.
When Pakistan launched a wave of missiles and drones, India’s air defence system was ready, thanks to the Akash Missile System, says PIB. Developed by the DRDO and produced by Bharat Dynamics, this short-range surface-to-air missile has been likened to Israel’s Iron Dome. It can engage and destroy up to four aerial targets at once within a 25 km range and is equipped with anti-jamming tech to counter enemy interference. During the attacks, Akash successfully intercepted several Pakistani projectiles.
D4: The Drone Destroyer That Doesn’t Miss.
As Pakistan sent swarms of Chinese and Turkish drones into Indian airspace, the D4 anti-drone system jumped into action, reported TOI.
This DRDO-made system, standing for Drone Detect, Deter, Destroy, uses a mix of electronic jamming and laser-directed energy weapons to disable or melt drones mid-air. Whether it’s commercial drones or deadly UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles), D4 had a 100% success rate during Operation Sindoor, according to defence experts. Former DRDO chief Dr G Satheesh Reddy confirmed its extensive use in taking down enemy drones.
Samar Air Defence System: The Silent Protector.
While Akash covered larger threats, the Samar (Surface to Air Missile for Assured Retaliation) system handled the low-flying invaders like drones and missiles. Co-developed by the Indian Air Force and Indian defence companies, Samar was crucial in forming a multi-layered air defence shield, blocking nearly every threat hurled at us.
Its strength lies in precision radar, fast reaction time, and seamless integration into the IAF’s existing systems. It’s homegrown, cost-effective, and deadly accurate.
SkyStriker Drones & Barak-8 Missiles.
While not completely indigenous, India’s SkyStriker kamikaze drones and Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles, jointly developed with Israel, were also deployed during the operation. These played a major role in surgical strikes and mid-air interceptions. Though they aren’t 100% Indian, their joint development marks a step closer to atmanirbharta in defence tech.
ISRO’s Satellites.
India’s satellite systems weren’t just watching – they were guiding. ISRO deployed at least 10 satellites to track enemy movement, map strike zones, and ensure strategic precision.
Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military win. It was a message to the world. India showed that it doesn’t have to depend on foreign suppliers anymore. Its homegrown defence tech is sharp, smart, and powerful.
In fact, many countries are now watching closely. With successful demonstrations of Indian-made weapons in real combat situations, India’s defence exports are set to skyrocket. From Southeast Asia to Africa, several nations have already shown interest in our missiles, drones, and defence systems.
India is not just defending its borders. It’s gearing up to become a global defence exporter.