In a bold departure from previous military operations, India’s “Operation Sindoor” marked a new era in its strategic posture, extending far beyond the scale of past strikes like the 2016 Uri surgical strike or the 2019 Balakot airstrikes. This unprecedented mission was technologically advanced, expansive, and carried out with a precision that sent a clear message to Pakistan-based terror groups.

Unlike past operations, which were more contained, Operation Sindoor represented a decisive shift in India’s military doctrine. It demonstrated India’s newfound willingness to strike preemptively, with no location being off-limits. This mission was a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 civilians lost their lives. Indian intelligence linked the attackers to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a notorious Pakistan-based terrorist group.

The operation hit nine locations across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with 24 missile strikes in total. Targets included ideologically driven training centres, arms depots, and logistical hubs used by terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) and LeT. The strikes resulted in over 70 militants killed, with more than 60 others wounded.

Using a combination of air-launched SCALP cruise missiles, HAMMER bombs, and loitering munitions, India executed a highly coordinated assault, with all missiles hitting their targets in less than an hour. This operation was a demonstration of India’s resolve to degrade terrorist networks while asserting its strategic strength.