In the operation that was carried out with extreme precision, other than Rafale fighter jets, strike weapon systems from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force, including loitering munitions, Scalp cruise missiles, and HAMMER bombs, were employed, which successfully targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), sources have confirmed. With the induction of 36 Rafale fighter aircraft, that are armed with the long-range SCALP missiles, India now has the capability to strike targets deep inside enemy territory without even crossing the border.
The coordinates for the attacks were provided by intelligence agencies, and the strikes were carried out entirely from Indian soil, and the forces did not breach Pakistani airspace, a fact admitted by Pakistan as well. The locations were selected with the intent of targeting key Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba leadership, responsible for sponsoring terrorism in India.
What Is A Loitering Munition?
Loitering Munitions (LMS), also called ‘Kamikaze Drones,’ are atype of precision weapon that hovers over a target and waits for it to appear. Once identified, they dive in and destroy the target with high accuracy. Loitering Munitions combine the surveillance capability of drones with the firepower of missiles and can either operate autonomously or be controlled by the operators in real time. This weapon technology enables the forces to avoid collateral damage and target mobile or time-sensitive threats, operate without risking soldiers’ lives.
What is SCALP/STORM SHADOW Cruise Missile?
The Scalp, also known as Storm Shadow, is an air-launched cruise missile known for its stealth features specifically designed for long-range strikes, and it is capable of being operated at night and in all weather. The Scalp missile’s accuracy is backed by its advanced navigation system, which uses INS, GPS and terrain referencing. The missile, having a range of 300 km, is manufactured by MBDA, a European consortium. It is seen as an ideal weapon for breaching hardened bunkers and ammunition stores. After launch, the weapon descends to terrain hugging altitude to avoid detection. On approaching the target, its onboard infrared seeker matches the target image with the stored picture to ensure a precision strike and minimal collateral damage.
HAMMER Air-To-Ground Bomb
The other weapon said to have been used in Operation Sindoor, HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), is an all-weather air-to-ground precision-guided munition. A Hammer bomb with a range of up to 70 km can be fitted to standard bombs. The bomb, made by French company, is insensitive to jamming and can be launched from low altitude over rough terrain. The fact that it is difficult to intercept and can penetrate fortified structures is what makes it so effective.
