Pakistan’s Drone Failure in Operation Sindoor: A Strategic Insight

On July 16, 2025, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan revealed a striking detail about Operation Sindoor, India’s military response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack. During a workshop on UAV and Counter-UAS indigenisation in Delhi, he disclosed that several Pakistani drones, deployed during the four-day conflict in May 2025, were recovered in near-intact condition, suggesting they may have been non-functional from the outset. This revelation underscores the limitations of Pakistan’s drone capabilities and highlights India’s robust air defence systems, marking a significant moment in modern warfare.

Operation Sindoor: Context and Execution

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, as a retaliatory strike against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), following the Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 civilian lives. The operation saw the Indian Air Force deploy precision-guided munitions, including SCALP cruise missiles, AASM Hammer bombs, and Israeli SkyStriker loitering munitions, targeting key terror hubs and Pakistani airbases. Pakistan responded with a barrage of drones, including unarmed units and loitering munitions, aimed at Indian border states from Leh to Sir Creek.

However, as General Chauhan noted, these drones failed to inflict any damage on Indian military or civilian infrastructure. Most were neutralised through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures, with some recovered in pristine condition, raising questions about their operational reliability.

The Drone Debacle: Pakistan’s Tactical Misstep

Pakistan’s drone offensive, supported by Chinese and Turkish technology, was intended to overwhelm India’s air defence grid, gather intelligence, and target key assets. Sources indicate that over 600 drones, including Turkish Bayraktar TB2 and Chinese Wing Loong variants, were deployed, with Turkey allegedly providing over 350 drones and military operatives to assist Pakistan. Despite this scale, the drones proved ineffective, with many either intercepted or malfunctioning.

General Chauhan’s remarks suggest that some drones may have failed to activate or execute their missions, landing intact on Indian soil. This allowed Indian forces to recover valuable intelligence, offering insights into Pakistan’s drone technology and tactics. The recovery of intact drones, potentially including Turkish Asisguard Songar models, points to possible design flaws or inadequate testing, exposing vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s reliance on foreign-supplied systems.

India’s Air Defence Triumph

India’s success in countering Pakistan’s drone offensive was driven by its multi-layered air defence network, which seamlessly integrated indigenous systems like the Akash and Akashteer with legacy platforms. The Akashteer system, an automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System, played a pivotal role by enabling real-time detection, tracking, and engagement of aerial threats. Over 1,000 anti-aircraft guns and 750 short- and medium-range surface-to-air missile systems were mobilised, transforming India’s air defence from a peacetime posture to full operational readiness in record time.

The Akash NG missile, capable of intercepting targets at speeds up to Mach 2.5 and altitudes from 30 meters to 20 kilometers, proved particularly effective against drone swarms and missile threats. Additionally, Israel’s Harpy drones, used for Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD), neutralised Pakistani radar systems in Lahore, further crippling their offensive capabilities. This operation showcased India’s technological edge and its ability to adapt to asymmetric warfare.

The Strategic Importance of Indigenous Systems

General Chauhan emphasised the critical need for self-reliance in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Counter-UAS (C-UAS) technologies tailored to India’s terrain and operational needs. Operation Sindoor demonstrated the risks of dependence on foreign technology, which can limit scalability, spare parts availability, and operational flexibility. The success of indigenous systems like Akashteer and Akash NG validated India’s push for Atmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing.

The workshop where Chauhan spoke, organised by the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff and the Centre for Joint Warfare Studies, focused on indigenising critical UAV and C-UAS components. The CDS highlighted that drones, despite their low cost and size, can disproportionately shift tactical balances, as seen in global conflicts. India’s ability to neutralise Pakistan’s drones while recovering some intact underscores the importance of developing robust, homegrown countermeasures.

Implications for Regional Security

The failure of Pakistan’s drone offensive and the exposure of its reliance on Chinese and Turkish support—potentially including real-time intelligence from China—reveal a broader anti-India axis. The operation’s success has not only bolstered India’s strategic confidence but also drawn international attention, with 14–15 countries reportedly seeking India’s BrahMos missile system post-Sindoor.

For Pakistan, the intact recovery of its drones raises questions about the quality of its $900 million drone deal with Turkey and its broader military preparedness. The incident may prompt a reevaluation of its defence partnerships and investments in unmanned systems.

Conclusion

Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s growing prowess in countering asymmetric threats and its commitment to indigenous defence innovation. The recovery of intact Pakistani drones, coupled with the neutralisation of over 600 others, highlights the effectiveness of India’s air defence systems and the limitations of Pakistan’s drone strategy. As General Chauhan aptly stated, self-reliance in UAV and C-UAS technologies is a strategic imperative for India, ensuring it remains prepared for the evolving landscape of modern warfare.

Sources: India Today (), The Times of India (,), The Hans India (), The Financial Express (), Oneindia News (), Hindustan Times (), The Economic Times (), The Indian Express (,), The Week (), Business Standard (), NewsBytes (), Moneycontrol (), Times Now (), Odisha Bytes (), and posts on X (,,,,,,).