Indian Air Force's Successful Operation Sindoor: A Reflection of Conflict Termination

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said the force was "on song" during Operation Sindoor, a response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Pakistan. Singh stated that the operation was a reflection of "conflict termination" and that the desired objective was already achieved, so further strikes were not necessary. He also emphasized the importance of technology in conducting successful operations, such as Operation Sindoor.

In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a successful counter-terrorism operation against Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) is bolstering its missile arsenal with a significant order of Rampage air-to-ground missiles from Israel. The Rampage missiles, known as the High Speed low Drag-Mark 2 in the IAF, have demonstrated high precision and effectiveness during the recent operations. The IAF has integrated these missiles with its Su-30 MKI, Jaguar, and MiG-29 fighter aircraft fleets [1].

The Rampage missiles were used to strike Pakistani bases and terrorist headquarters in Muridke and Bahawalpur in Punjab province, showcasing their precision and impact. The IAF is now exploring the possibility of producing these missiles domestically under the Make in India program, which could lead to large-scale induction of the weapon system [1].

In addition to the Rampage missiles, the IAF tested the ROCKS (Crystal Maze-2) missile in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands territory last year. The successful integration of these advanced missile systems has significantly enhanced the IAF's firepower, particularly with the Su-30 MKI fleet, which now supports the firing of multiple long-range air-to-ground missiles, including the BrahMos supersonic missiles with a strike range of over 400 kilometers [1].

Meanwhile, the Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the importance of technology in conducting successful operations like Operation Sindoor. He stated that the force was "on song" during the operation and that the desired objective was achieved, rendering further strikes unnecessary [2].

In a related development, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been approved by the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) to supply 97 light combat aircraft Mk-1A to the IAF. The company, a defense public sector undertaking, is expected to deliver these aircraft along with associated equipment to the IAF [3].

These strategic moves by the IAF and HAL demonstrate India's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and enhancing its operational readiness. The integration of advanced missile systems and the procurement of new aircraft will significantly bolster the IAF's offensive and defensive capabilities.

References:
[1] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/defence/post-op-sindoor-india-bolstering-israeli-rampage-missile-arsenal-to-enhance-preparedness/articleshow/123458533.cms
[2] https://www.business-standard.com/india-news/j-k-lg-orders-dismissal-of-2-govt-employees-over-alleged-terror-links-125082200521_1.html
[3] https://www.business-standard.com/markets/capital-market-news/hal-to-supply-97-light-combat-aircrafts-to-indian-air-force-125082100417_1.html