‘Operation Sindoor’, major capability upgrades mark landmark year
Jammu, Dec 30 (JKNS): As 2025 draws to a close, the Indian Army has outlined ten defining milestones of the year, prominently featuring ‘Operation Sindoor’ a calibrated and decisive military response following the April terror attack in Pahalgam which significantly reshaped the security landscape in Jammu and Kashmir and reinforced India’s deterrence posture.
According to news agency JKNS, the year witnessed firm action against cross-border terrorism, substantial capability enhancements, and accelerated indigenisation efforts, positioning the Army as a technologically advanced and future-ready force.
Operation Sindoor
Launched in May 2025, Operation Sindoor emerged as one of the most consequential counter-terror responses in recent years. Executed with precision and restraint, the operation targeted terrorist infrastructure across the border in retaliation to the brutal Pahalgam attack, underscoring India’s resolve against Pakistan-backed terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Pahalgam Terror Attack
On April 22, 2025, terrorists carried out a deadly assault in the Baisaran meadows near Pahalgam in Anantnag district, killing 26 tourists. The attack marked a serious escalation, aimed at derailing tourism, instilling fear, and challenging security gains following the abrogation of Article 370. The incident triggered widespread international condemnation and intensified demands for accountability.
Planning and Execution
Initiated during the night of May 7–8, Operation Sindoor was a joint, meticulously planned mission focused on neutralising terror infrastructure without triggering a wider conflict.
Command and Oversight:
Operational planning was led by the Indian Army’s Military Operations Branch, with real-time monitoring by the Directorate General of Military Operations. Senior leadership, including the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs, maintained close oversight.
Targets Neutralised:
Nine terrorist camps affiliated with Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen were destroyed seven through Army precision artillery and munitions, and two by the Indian Air Force. Additionally, over a dozen launch pads along the Line of Control were dismantled, severely disrupting infiltration networks.
Escalation Control
India clarified that strikes were confined strictly to terror infrastructure, with no Pakistani military or civilian sites targeted. The operation remained time-bound and calibrated. Pakistan responded with drone and missile attempts between May 7 and 10, most of which were neutralised by integrated air defence systems, including S-400 and indigenous Akashteer, demonstrating advanced counter-UAS capabilities.
By May 10, Pakistan’s DGMO sought a ceasefire, leading to an understanding to halt military actions. Operation Sindoor delivered a major blow to cross-border terrorism, degrading terror logistics and resulting in reduced infiltration attempts through the remainder of 2025.
Security Gains
The operation strengthened counter-insurgency efforts, enabling greater focus on development and normalcy. Follow-up missions, including Operation Mahadev, neutralised key perpetrators linked to the Pahalgam attack. Overall, 2025 recorded fewer terror incidents and improved operational dominance in Jammu and Kashmir.
Capability Enhancements
The Army made significant technological strides during the year. On December 1, a BrahMos unit under Southern Command, in coordination with Andaman & Nicobar Command, conducted a successful combat missile launch, validating high-speed manoeuvrability and precision. Development of extended-range BrahMos variants progressed steadily.
Two additional Pinaka rocket regiments became operational in June. On December 29, the successful test of the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket achieved a range of nearly 120 km, paving the way for future variants extending up to 300 km.
Army Aviation also received a major boost with the full induction of AH-64E Apache attack helicopters three delivered in July and the remaining three in December enhancing all-weather precision strike and anti-armour capabilities.
New Force Structures
Innovative organisational concepts transitioned into field deployment. An October demonstration in Rajasthan showcased integrated operations of Bhairav Battalions and Ashni Platoons, equipped with drone-based ISR and precision strike capabilities. Plans are underway to raise 25 Bhairav Battalions, along with Shaktibaan Regiments and Divyastra Batteries integrating unmanned systems and loiter munitions.
Indigenisation Push
Building on the “Years of Tech Absorption” initiative, the Army achieved 91 per cent indigenisation of ammunition. Inductions included nearly 3,000 RPAs, swarm drones, high-altitude logistics drones, tethered systems and kamikaze UAVs.
Defence Acquisition Council approvals in August and December prioritised night-fighting upgrades for BMPs, MALE RPAs, counter-drone systems and enhanced precision munitions.
Strategic Discourse
The Army’s flagship Chanakya Defence Dialogue featured a Young Leaders Forum on October 31, a curtain-raiser podcast by Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi on November 17, and the main dialogue in late November, focusing on reform-driven transformation for national security.
Innovation from Ranks
The Inno-Yoddha 2025–26 initiative received a record 89 submissions, with 32 innovations selected for further development, reflecting strong grassroots innovation aligned with Atmanirbhar Bharat.
As 2025 concludes, the Indian Army stands more assertive, technologically advanced and strategically aligned ready to confront emerging threats while safeguarding India’s security and stability. (JKNS)
