Pakistani Drones Found Intact During Operation Sindoor: Defence Chief

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, during a workshop in Delhi on Wednesday, revealed significant details regarding the use of Pakistani drones during the four-day conflict with India in May, which followed the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. In retaliation for India's launch of Operation Sindoor, Pakistan deployed a large number of drones targeting India's border states. However, according to CDS Chauhan, several of these drones were recovered intact, suggesting that many of them may have malfunctioned or failed to activate, thereby minimizing any threat.

General Chauhan elaborated that Pakistan primarily used unarmed drones and loitering munitions during the conflict. He emphasized that none of these aerial weapons caused any harm to Indian military personnel or civilian infrastructure. The majority of drones were neutralized using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic technologies, highlighting India's growing capacity to handle modern warfare threats, particularly drone swarms and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

CDS Chauhan used this opportunity to highlight the importance of indigenous defence capabilities, praising India’s own weapon systems that played a crucial role in the success of Operation Sindoor. He pointed to the effectiveness of indigenously developed counter-UAS systems, built to match Indian terrain and tactical needs. Stressing the value of self-reliance, Chauhan stated that depending on foreign technologies for critical offensive and defensive systems undermines India’s strategic preparedness. It limits the nation's ability to scale production, reduces availability of spare parts, and hinders round-the-clock operational readiness.

He further argued that developing and innovating weapon systems within the country is essential not only for cost control and scalability but also for maintaining secrecy and strategic advantage. When weapon systems are domestically designed and produced, their capabilities are less likely to be known to adversaries, enabling surprise tactics and secure operations.

Among the indigenous systems praised was Akashteer, a medium-range surface-to-air missile system developed under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP). This system, along with its upgraded version Akash NG (New Generation), was instrumental during Operation Sindoor. The Akash NG intercepted multiple drone swarms and missile threats, showcasing its advanced capabilities. With speeds reaching up to Mach 2.5 and the ability to engage aerial threats at altitudes between 30 meters and 20 kilometers, the system proved critical in defending Indian airspace during the conflict.

General Chauhan’s address also drew attention to broader global trends where drone warfare has shifted tactical balances in conflicts. He urged that India must not lag behind in this evolving battlefield dynamic. Emphasizing that self-reliance is a strategic imperative, he called on India's defence sector to innovate and manufacture cutting-edge systems that meet modern challenges.

In conclusion, General Chauhan’s insights highlight both the ineffectiveness of Pakistan’s drone offensive and India’s growing technological edge in counter-drone warfare. The emphasis on indigenization, innovation, and strategic autonomy underlines a broader shift in India’s military doctrine — one that focuses on readiness, resilience, and reduced dependence on foreign imports.