Between May 7 and 10 during what it dubbed Operation Sindoor, India executed a swift and precise air campaign against Pakistan, showcasing its advanced indigenous aerial capabilities and shifting regional perceptions of air superiority. The strikes targeted key Pakistani air bases, including those protected by Chinese-supplied air defense systems, marking a significant military and political development.

The 2019 aerial engagement between India and Pakistan had previously fueled debates about India's air dominance. While strategically limited, the downing of an Indian MiG 21 and the brief capture of its pilot allowed critics to question India's place in the regional air power balance. At the time Pakistan's narrative of parity gained traction, supported by its integration of advanced Chinese military hardware like J-10C multirole fighters, PL-15 air-to-air missiles, and the HQ-9 air defence system.

However, Operation Sindoor demonstrated a different reality. Indian precision-guided loitering munitions and missiles penetrated Pakistani airspace, striking strategic locations such as Lahore, Karachi, and Rahimyar Khan - including numerous military installations. The Indian Air Force confirmed on May 14 that the operation was conducted "without loss of Indian assets," indicating a significant advancement in operational effectiveness and throwing cold water on the rumors that India had lost aircraft including its most advanced Rafale. A senior Indian Air Marshal emphasised during a press briefing following the strikes that the crucial aspect of combat is achieving strategic objectives, which India accomplished decisively, rather than focusing on losses.

The operation was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam in April. India retaliated without crossing the Line of Control or international boundaries, effectively neutralising terrorist infrastructure and threats in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir and within Pakistan itself. This was achieved through the seamless integration of French, Russian, and indigenous systems, facilitated by India’s Integrated Air Command and Control System.

Among the assets destroyed were Pakistani fighter aircraft although the Indian Air Force declined to reveal a number, at least one mostly intact PL-15 missiles which apparently failed mid air and a plethora of  Turkish origin unmanned aerial vehicles. The recovery and identification of their wreckage confirmed Pakistan's significant reliance on foreign-supplied technologies. India's ability to bypass or jam these systems highlighted a qualitative advantage apart from its well recognised quantitative superiority. Air defence played a crucial role during Pakistan's attempted retaliatory strikes between May 7 and 10 as well.

Pakistan attempted to strike military facilities across northern and western India using a mix of Turkish and Chinese origin drones and missiles. But India’s layered air defence network, apparently calibrated for resilience and rapid response against heavy volume of theta vectors, intercepted and neutralised the threats before they could cause damage.

By integrating older Soviet era Pechora systems with the domestically developed Akash surface-to-air missile platform and man-portable air defense systems, India successfully repelled incoming threats from regions spanning Awantipora to Bhuj. The Akash system, an all-weather, mobile platform, demonstrated notable efficiency by autonomously engaging multiple targets simultaneously. This defensive success was underpinned by the seamless coordination of Army, Navy, and Air Force resources under a unified net-centric warfare doctrine.

Enhanced by satellite monitoring from at least ten ISRO-operated space assets, Indian forces maintained continuous situational awareness. This space-based surveillance was critical in persistently tracking cross-border movements, significantly hindering Pakistani aircraft and drones from breaching Indian airspace during the counteroffensive.

India’s response extended beyond tactical proficiency, validating a strategic doctrine cultivated over the past decade. India’s indigenous capabilities, ranging from guided munitions to electronic warfare systems, were central to the success of Operation Sindoor. The drone ecosystem, boosted by the Production Linked Incentive scheme and spearheaded by companies like Alpha Design Technologies and Paras Defence, has undergone rapid development.

The Drone Federation of India projects the sector's value to reach $11bn by 2030. The operation also highlighted India’s transformation from a primary importer of defence platforms to a significant manufacturer. In the fiscal year 2023-24, indigenous defense production reached $15.2bn, while exports surged to $2.8bn. Systems such as the Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, Akash missile batteries, and high-mobility battlefield vehicles have replaced imports in critical areas.

The Indian government’s export target of $6bn by 2029 is also looking increasingly attainable, supported by strong production momentum and enhanced geopolitical standing. With the establishment of two dedicated Defence Industrial Corridors and initiatives like SRIJAN and iDEX - in partnership with the US, the integration of India’s private and public sectors in defence manufacturing is stronger than ever. Platforms like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System and Light Combat Helicopters are already operational, providing domestically produced alternatives to expensive foreign imports.

The strategic implications of Operation Sindoor extended beyond the immediate military outcome. It demonstrated India’s capacity to operate independently and effectively against threats supported by foreign military technology. By designing, developing, and deploying systems domestically, India has redefined its regional role, evolving from a reactive power to a confident force capable of preemptive precision engagement.