Brief Summary
This video discusses Operation Sindoor, an Indian Air Force (IAF) operation where unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were used to deceive Pakistani air defence systems. The operation involved using decoy aircraft to mimic the radar signatures of fighter jets like the Rafale and Sukhoi, triggering Pakistani air defence systems and exposing their locations. This allowed the IAF to neutralise these systems before launching actual strikes using BrahMos and Scalp missiles.
- The IAF used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to mimic the radar signatures of fighter jets.
- Pakistani air defence systems were triggered, revealing their locations.
- The IAF neutralised these systems before launching actual strikes.
Introduction to Operation Sindoor
The video introduces Operation Sindoor, highlighting the Indian Air Force's (IAF) strategic deception of Pakistani air defence systems. The IAF used unmanned dummy planes that mimicked the radar signatures of Rafale and Sukhoi fighter jets. These planes were intentionally sent near the Pakistani border to activate Chinese-made air defence systems, which were then targeted. The operation exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan's air defence and caused significant financial loss due to the engagement of expensive missile systems against inexpensive drones.
Details of the Airstrikes
The video details the timeline of the strikes, which occurred on the night of the 9th and the morning of the 10th. During the operation, 11 out of 12 Pakistani airbases were targeted across the country. The strikes caused concern for China, as they exposed vulnerabilities in its air defence systems that it was trying to market globally. BrahMos and Scalp missiles, launched from Rafale aircraft, were used to cause significant damage to Pakistani airfields. The primary goal of the operation was to render the runways unusable, which was successfully achieved.
The Use of Dummy Aircraft
The video explains how the IAF initiated an air campaign using dummy pilotless target aircraft, camouflaged to mimic Indian fighter jets. The DRDO's Lakshya-2, a pilotless target aircraft with a speed of up to Mach 1.2, was likely used. This drone can fly at altitudes from 50 metres to 9 kilometres and can be equipped with electronic signature systems to mimic combat aircraft on radar. These drones are typically used for pilot training, missile testing, and simulating enemy aircraft during exercises.
Electronic Payload and Radar Mimicking
The video describes how the dummy aircraft mimic the radar signatures of larger jets like the Sukhoi and Rafale. The Lakshya-2 carries an electronic payload, specifically a radar augmentation device. This device emits electronic signals that mimic the radar cross-section of other jets, allowing it to appear as a Sukhoi-30, Rafale, or MiG-29 on enemy radar. The video also mentions the potential use of the Banshee, a British-designed target drone, although the Lakshya-2 is more likely due to its indigenous production.
Triggering and Locating Pakistani Radars
The video explains how Pakistani radars detected the incoming dummy planes, triggering their HQ-9 air defence systems. When these systems activated, they emitted radio signals, allowing the IAF to pinpoint their locations. Electronic warfare platforms, such as the DRDO's Netra and electronic warfare systems on Sukhoi-30 MKI and Rafale jets, were used to detect these radar emissions. This information allowed the IAF to deploy loitering munitions, like Israeli-made Harop drones, to target and destroy Pakistani air defence radar and command and control systems.
Jamming and Destroying Air Defence Systems
The video details how the IAF jammed Pakistani HQ-9 systems while simultaneously using dummy aircraft to simulate real IAF jets. This caused the Pakistanis to activate their missile systems, further revealing their positions. Indian electronic warfare assets then targeted and jammed these radars. Loitering drones were deployed to destroy the systems. The Pakistani Air Force, realising the deception, attempted to move their HQ-9 systems, but these were quickly located and engaged again.
Actual Strikes and Missile Usage
After neutralising the enemy's air defence systems, the IAF launched actual strikes using long-range missiles like BrahMos and Scalp. The BrahMos missiles were air-launched from Sukhoi-30 MKI jets, while Rafales deployed Scalp and Storm Shadow missiles. The Storm Shadow missile, with a 450 kg warhead, caused significant destruction, capable of destroying bunkers. Other missiles like Rampage and Crystal Maze were also used. The goal was to achieve air dominance, ensuring a clear airspace for the IAF's assets.
Pakistan's Response and Aftermath
The video describes Pakistan's response, which included launching ballistic missiles and air-launched cruise missiles. There were also reports of attempts to use unmanned combat aerial vehicles. However, India was prepared with Akash air defence systems, Russian S-400s, and MR-SAMs to counter these threats. Pakistan mistakenly believed they had shot down a Rafale, but in reality, they had only downed a Lakshya-2 drone. The success of Operation Sindoor led to record high share prices for Dassault Aviation, the manufacturer of the Rafale.
