By The Sampadak Express
India’s military infrastructure remains fully operational and ready to take on any future challenges, Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti, Director General Air Operations, affirmed on Monday. His statement comes in response to Pakistan’s claims of damaging Indian military assets during recent escalations.
Addressing a press briefing, AVM Bharti highlighted the resilience and effectiveness of India’s integrated air defence systems, describing them as “battle-proven” and capable of neutralizing any aerial threats. “Our systems have stood the test of time and will continue to protect both military and civilian assets,” he said.
A key component of India’s defence preparedness, he noted, is the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system, which has played a pivotal role in building a robust and layered air defence environment. The AVM credited strong budgetary and policy support from the government over the past decade for enabling this operational readiness.
Multi-Layered Air Defence in Place
A detailed diagram shared during the briefing outlined India’s multi-tiered air defence structure. The inner layer consists of Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS), air defence guns like the L70 and ZSU-23 Shilka, and MANPADS (Man-Portable Air Defence Systems). Medium-range defences include systems like the vintage Pechora and Akash SAMs, along with the Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM). The outermost shield is formed by long-range assets such as the S-400 and air defence fighter aircraft.
AVM Bharti emphasized that this integrated system brings together the capabilities of the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force to provide comprehensive protection against all aerial threats.
Proof of Foreign Weaponry Used by Pakistan
The briefing also unveiled evidence of foreign-made weaponry used by Pakistan in the recent conflict, including drones and missiles sourced from China and Turkey. This revelation follows Pakistan’s response to Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7.
The operation, in retaliation to a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives, involved coordinated air, land, and sea strikes on terror camps and military targets across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir (PoK).
Operation Sindoor: Major Impact with Calibrated Restraint
During a joint press conference held at the National Media Centre on Sunday, senior operational commanders from the Army, Navy, and Air Force revealed that over 100 terrorists were neutralized. Eleven Pakistani air bases were also struck, causing significant degradation to their military capability.
Despite the scale of the operation, India exercised calibrated restraint, with a strategic focus on minimising civilian casualties.”
Future Wars Will Be Different”Reflecting on the evolving nature of conflict, AVM Bharti said, “If another war comes, it will not look like the last. It will be a cat-and-mouse game, and our task is to stay ahead of the curve.”
