26 people died in 23 minutes: How India’s Akash missiles and suicide drones smashed into Pakistani air base during operation in sindoor
What is striking is not just the speed or accuracy of the response. This is a complex use of indigenous technologies – air defense, drone warfare and electronic surveillance. This operation has become a decisive moment in India’s military self-reliance journey.
Night of attack and defense
In late May 7, Pakistan attempted to coordinate missiles and drones to strike on Indian military devices in multiple cities – Srinagar, Chamu, Patankot, Amritsar, etc. India’s air defense system was equipped with heritage weapons and modern indigenous platforms and took action. Comprehensive anti-UAS grid neutralization threat.
By morning, Indian troops had retaliated. They targeted Pakistan’s air defense radar, including one in Lahore, which was destroyed. The Indian system not only defended, but also competent.
Synergy of air defense systems
India’s response relies on networks that integrate technology. The Akash missile system (an indigenous platform) is central. Akash is capable of targeting multiple threats in real time. It is a mobile phone with a short-range surface-to-air system equipped with electronic countermeasures (ECCM). In addition to Akash, India has deployed proven systems such as Pechora, OSA-AK and low-level air defense guns.
Integrated Air Command and Control Systems (IACCS) brings together all elements (Air Force, Army and Navy) to create a seamless, network-centric operational picture. These systems are a system that expels threats.
Precision surgery strike
India’s offensive actions are fast and clinical. The Indian Air Force used wandering ammunition (suicide drones” to attack the keys of the Pakistan Air Force, including Noor Khan and Rahimyar Khan. The ammunition hovered above the target area and then locked and hit devices of high-value enemies such as radar and missile locations, without India’s losses. The accuracy comes from the close coordination between surveillance, interference and drone delivery systems. Indian troops bypassed the Chinese-made Pakistani air defense and completed the mission in just 23 minutes.
Threat Proof, Neutral
The postoperative recovery was drawn with clear pictures. India collected:
- PL-15 Chinese Aboriginal Missile
- Türkiye-made drones are marked “yiha” or “yeehaw”
- Limbs, long-range rockets and commercial drones
These fragments prove that Pakistan has procured advanced foreign weapons. However, India’s indigenous systems outperform them, revealing the robustness of its defense technology.
Defensive layer, years
On May 12, Lieutenant Rajiv Guy, Director General of General Military Operations, briefed the media. He praised a convergence of old and new technologies, which “a unique fusion of anti-drone systems, electronic warfare assets, and air defense weapons from the Army and the Air Force” ensured a defense against revenge.
He added that multi-layered defense capabilities from handheld missile launchers to long-range radars can prevent any damage to India’s airports and logistics centers.
Ghai stressed that these systems have been constructed through continuous government investment over the past decade.
“They are ensuring that civilians and military infrastructure across India remain unaffected in the enemy’s attempts to retaliate.”
iSro’s eyes in the sky
ISRO’s satellite network quietly supports Sindoor operations behind the scenes. On May 11, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed: “At least 10 satellites are constantly working for strategic purposes to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of the country. It must monitor its 7,000 km seashore area. It must monitor the entire north continuously.
These satellites enable real-time monitoring and positioning accuracy.
A growing drone ecosystem
The Indian Union of Drones (DFI) plays a crucial role in India’s rise as a drone force. DFI has over 550 drone companies and 5,500 pilots with the goal of making India a global drone hub by 2030. It also runs programs like Bharat Drone Mahotsav to showcase local innovations.
The main participants include:
- Alpha Design Technologies (Bangaluru) – Working with Israel’s Elbit Systems to build the Skystriker drone.
- Tata Advanced Systems – a long-term defense partner of Indian forces, providing integrated technical solutions.
- PARAS Defense & Space Technologies – A pioneer in local design and manufacturing (IDDM) capabilities.
- IG Drones – Specializing in defense drones, working with Indian military and multiple government agencies.
- India’s drone market is expected to reach USD 11 billion by 2030, accounting for more than 12% of its global share.
India’s defensive shift was not sudden. It originated from years of reforms. Since 2021, the government has banned imports of drones and has launched a linked incentive (PLI) program to encourage domestic manufacturing. This long-term plan has fruit during operation in sindoor.
The action proves that India no longer needs to rely on foreign imports to deal with national threats. Its technology is native, its defense is tested, and its vision is clear.
