How Operation Sindoor showcased India’s defence manufacturing to the world – Firstpost

A major takeaway from Operation Sindoor was its showcasing of India’s burgeoning indigenous defence capabilities under the “Make in India” initiative. From drones to missiles and air defence systems, homegrown technologies worked while China’s weapons failed the test.

This is an alpha opportunity for Indian defence manufacturing. India exported a record Rs 23,000 crore worth of weapons in 2024; that record will be shattered this year.

The Drones Take Flight

India’s domestically produced drones were instrumental in Operation Sindoor, blending surveillance with lethal precision. Models like the Nagastra-1 and SkyStriker are the examples, the latter, a product of collaboration between Bengaluru-based Alpha Design and Israel’s Elbit Security Systems, reportedly stood out. New war is death by loiter, and India has the manufacturing base to make them in large numbers. With combat success, it’s when, not if, that India will innovate with swarm drones and next-generation loitering ammunition.

BrahMos Packs a Punch

The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, an Indo-Russian joint venture launched from land and air, obliterated terrorist infrastructure, leaving adversaries little time to react. Its supersonic versatility across platforms reinforces India’s offensive reach. Beyond the battlefield, Op Sindoor turned the missile into a billboard for India’s defence export ambitions.

Akash Shields the Skies

India proved one capability beyond doubt: that it can rope a dope. With the Russian S400 as the blocking defence, the indigenous Akash SAM was the ace parrying. India disabled a ballistic missile, stopped unguided rockets, downed fighter jets, and targeted multiple UAVs and loitering ammunition, all in the same theatre. Its multi-target engagement capability proved its worth in a layered defence grid. Battle-tested in Sindoor, the system’s appeal has surged among existing and potential like Armenia, with potential interest from Brazil, Vietnam and Africa.

Munitions: The Backbone of Resilience

India’s munition production capabilities emerged as a quiet powerhouse during Operation Sindoor. The ability to churn out everything from artillery shells to advanced missiles—such as the Pinaka rocket launcher, capable of firing 72 rockets in 44 seconds—ensured uninterrupted supply lines. Put differently, industrial depth positions India as a reliable player in the global arms market, where sustained supply is as critical as firepower. Already India is emerging as one of the fastest exporters of different calibres of munitions, including the US as a client.

What India needs is focus on a few over-fragmentation.

Yet, India must refine its strategy by prioritising a select few defence systems rather than scattering resources across numerous projects. The BrahMos and Akash successes highlight the value of focused investment—deep expertise, faster development, and economies of scale. A shortlist of high-impact systems, like next-generation drones or hypersonic missiles, could elevate India’s military edge and export potential. Incentives are needed upfront, and on a scale, cheaper loans and tax breaks for R&D must be done urgently. Bigger domestic orders and further streamlined procurement will give critical mass.

Attachés as Ambassadors

Indian defence attachés must now capitalise on Op Sindoor’s success to boost exports, particularly to clients like Armenia and the Philippines. Armenia, already using Akash and Pinaka systems, could expand its orders, while the Philippines might deepen its BrahMos commitment. Attachés should pitch comprehensive packages—hardware, training, and maintenance—to appeal to cost-conscious buyers.

War Reserves Advantage

Domestic capacity also grants India a critical edge in war wastage reserves. Unlike import-reliant nations, India’s ability to stockpile weapons increases by a massive margin, allowing it to fight better and longer.

India must allocate at least 2.5 per cent of GDP on defence; this is no longer optional—it’s imperative. This isn’t a zero-sum choice between guns and butter; a strong military underpins economic stability.

As Op Sindoor proved, “Make in India” delivers both security and prosperity, but only sustained investment can secure this dual dividend in an increasingly unstable world.

The writer is a senior journalist with expertise in defence. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views.