India’s recent Operation Sindoor, which destroyed terror infrastructure and military assets deep inside Pakistan, was a clear demonstration of the nation’s ability to defend itself using indigenous technology, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) chairman Samir Kamat said on Saturday. He especially foccussed on the role of BrahMos cruise missiles.
Speaking at the 4th convocation ceremony of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology (DIAT) in Pune, Kamat praised not only the bravery of Indian soldiers but also the advanced technological backbone that powered the mission. His remarks came just hours after Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) had shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aircraft during the operation — marking the largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill by India.
“Operation Sindoor was more than a mission. It was a declaration of India’s ability to stand tall through self-reliance, strategic foresight, and indigenous technological strength. It was a statement to the world that India has the capability to protect its borders through homegrown technology,” Kamat said.
BrahMos, Akash, and Akashteer Lead the Mission’s Success
Kamat detailed that India’s BrahMos cruise missiles, jointly developed with Russia, had successfully struck several key targets in Pakistan. The air-launched BrahMos missiles, deployed from Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets, formed the primary offensive weapon system during the operation.
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On the defensive front, multiple systems were employed, including the Akash surface-to-air missile system, the D-4 anti-drone system, and the MR-SAM missile system. All these systems were networked through the Akashteer — an AI-based decision-making platform that integrates sensors and weapons to determine the most effective countermeasures against incoming threats.
“Akashteer helped in identifying the threats coming towards us and then deploying the right kind of weapon to neutralise those threats. An early warning and control aircraft was also used for airborne surveillance,” the DRDO chief explained.
Akashteer and IACCS at the Core of Air Defence
The Akashteer system forms part of the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) designed by the Indian Air Force. According to Mr Kamat, IACCS played a pivotal role as the “tip of the spear” in the air defence component of Operation Sindoor, ensuring rapid threat detection and coordinated defensive responses.
