Kumar Bahukhandi
Operation Sindoor has come to symbolize more than just a successful military campaign-it represents India’s emerging confidence in its own defence ecosystem, powered by years of innovation, foresight, and collaborative development. At the centre of this transformative moment stands the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), whose ability to translate research into deployable combat systems has become a cornerstone of India’s modern military capability.
Precision Strike with Missile Systems:
The operation demonstrated India’s readiness across multiple domains. Akash missile systems and Supersonic cruise missiles like BrahMos played a decisive role, delivering precision strikes with speed and accuracy. These missiles not only offered a tactical edge but also showcased how indigenous missile programs have matured into globally benchmarked platforms. This progress is a direct outcome of the visionary leadership of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, who laid the foundation and build the institutional structure through the Integrated Guided Missile Development Programme (IGMDP), and the continued dedication of successive generations of leaders, scientists and engineers who transformed that vision into reality.
Electronic Warfare and Radars
Electronic warfare systems developed by DRDO further ensured that Indian forces could dominate the electromagnetic spectrum. These systems enabled the disruption of enemy communications and surveillance infrastructure, a critical factor in neutralizing early threats and maintaining battlefield advantage. DRDO’s integration of spectrum analysis tools with advanced signal processors created a robust shield that was both adaptive and field-proven.
Complementing these were high-performance surveillance systems and multi-mode radars that gave Indian forces complete situational awareness, even in complex operational theatres. From long-range battlefield surveillance units to electro-optical payloads, these systems ensured that the flow of real-time intelligence remained uninterrupted, enabling rapid and coordinated decision-making across command structures.
Counter-Dronesystems:
The growing threat of unmanned aerial systems was countered with equal foresight. DRDO developed a comprehensive countermeasure-the D4 system. This advanced, vehicle-mounted counter-drone solution is designed to neutralize the growing risk from rogue UAVs through an integrated multi-layered architecture. The D4 system synergizes key subsystems, including RF-based drone detection, radar tracking, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) identification, and a combination of soft-kill and hard-kill capabilities. It effectively employs RF jammers to disrupt hostile communication links, while electro-optical tracking ensures visual confirmation and precision targeting. For kinetic neutralization, the system incorporates hard-kill mechanisms capable of engaging and destroying the aerial threat, ensuring a robust and adaptive response across diverse operational scenarios.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a significant achievement in 2020 by swiftly developing and deploying an indigenous anti-drone system during the challenging peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. This system was operationally deployed near Delhis Red Fort on August 15, 2020, to safeguard the 74th Independence Day celebrations, including Prime Minister Narendra Modis address .
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Anti drone system
These systems neutralized some of the hostile drone incursions, protecting both frontline troops and strategic assets. Developed as part of a Development cum production partnership initiative under the leadership of DRDO’s DG, Electronics Cluster, the D4 project has emerged as a powerful case study in co-development and battlefield relevance.
Visionary leadership:
Long before drone warfare captured international focus, the Electronics Cluster at DRDO had initiated the development of modular, scalable counter-drone systems. The D4 system was the result of this proactive strategy-designed for multi-sensor integration and rapid deployment across various conflict zones. The path adopted by visionaries is to have the PSUs and Indian private companies as key development partners in the program.
DRDO – industry ecosystem:
Unistring Tech Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (UTS) a Subsidiary of Zen Technologies is one of the key private sector partners involved in the D4 program. The company was entrusted with the supply of Key RF and digital sub systems. This collaboration was marked not just by technical delivery, but by deep engagement with DRDO throughout the lifecycle of the system-from early design reviews to live field trials.
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Dr Nagendra Babu Samineni, & K Srinivasa Raju
The experience of being involved in co-development efforts, backed by strong institutional mentorship, allowed UTS to not only deliver state-of-the-art systems but to shape and adapt them based on frontline realities and evolving threat scenarios. As drone threats continue to evolve, so must the system-reflecting the dynamic nature of electronic warfare, which demands constant innovation and adaptability.
A word of appreciation:
Operation Sindoor is more than just an operational milestone-it stands as compelling evidence that India’s defence capabilities are increasingly being shaped and realized within its own borders. The journey from lab to battlefield has become shorter, more collaborative, and significantly more impactful. Under the leadership of DRDO, we have seen what becomes possible when a strong national vision is matched by the innovation and commitment of India’s Public and private sector.
Nearly every Indian private enterprise engaged in defence today has, in some form, drawn foundational learnings through its association with DRDO. For many, DRDO served as the first door into the world of defence technology-providing guidance, opportunities, and critical early-stage support. The invaluable and often quiet contributions of DRDO’s scientific community have now yielded tangible results, delivering strategic advantages precisely when the nation needed them most.
A Message to the youth of INDIA:
To the bright young minds of India, In a world driven by technology and marked by evolving challenges, there lies an extraordinary calling-one that goes beyond personal achievement, beyond headlines and awards. It is the call to contribute to the defence of our nation, not just with courage on the frontlines, but with innovation, intellect, and integrity.
Defence technology is not just about machines, missiles, or metal. It is about protecting lives. It is about giving our soldiers the edge to come home safely. It is about ensuring that India’s borders are guarded by systems designed, developed, and delivered by Indians who believe in something greater than themselves.
Imagine working on technologies that can track enemy drones in real-time, develop radar systems that scan the skies for threats, or build secure communication networks that operate even in the harshest conditions. Imagine the excitement of turning theoretical physics into battlefield-ready electronics, or algorithms into life-saving decisions. Every day brings a new challenge. Every breakthrough can shift the balance of national security.
And then imagine the satisfaction-the unmatched pride-of knowing that your work helps protect a billion dreams. That because of your code, your circuit, your design, a threat was neutralized, a life was saved, a mission was accomplished.
India needs not just soldiers in uniform, but scientists, engineers, developers, and thinkers who stand behind them. This is your chance to serve, to build, and to defend-not with a gun, but with a pen, a tool, a keyboard, and a vision.
Join the mission. Be a part of the next generation of defence innovators. Because when you choose to work on technologies that secure our borders, you choose a life of purpose, excitement, and deep national pride
Way ahead:
Every conflict presents an opportunity to both learn and unlearn-to reassess existing practices, identify what proved effective, and recognize what fell short. This is the time to review, reflect, and address deficiencies with clarity and purpose. While certain systems and features performed as intended, others highlighted critical gaps. These insights are not setbacks but essential learnings that will strengthen future capabilities and drive more resilient, adaptive solutions. The lessons from Sindoor serve as both a validation and a roadmap. India is not just defending itself-it is building the future of defence, indigenously and intelligently. As former DRDO scientists, it gives us immense pride to have contributed to this meaningful and transformative journey.
