The Indian Armed Forces conducted nine precision standoff strikes against terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir during Operation Sindoor [1].
The operation represents a shift in India's security doctrine, moving toward a proactive response to cross-border terrorism to dismantle terror ecosystems and deter future attacks [2].
Launched in 2023, the campaign followed a terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians [1]. The Indian government aimed to destroy hubs linked to the violence through a coordinated effort between the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force [1, 2].
Of the total strikes, the Indian Army carried out seven [1]. The Indian Air Force conducted the remaining two operations [1]. These strikes targeted locations across the Line of Control and deep inside the heartland of Pakistan [1, 2].
The military utilized indigenous weapons to carry out the standoff strikes, meaning the munitions were fired from distances that kept launching platforms safe from enemy fire [1]. The operations focused on destroying infrastructure used by terror groups to coordinate activities within the region [1, 2].
India marked the first anniversary of the operation in 2024 [1, 2]. The campaign was designed to send a clear signal regarding the cost of cross-border aggression and the capability of the tri-services to operate in tandem [2].
“The Indian Armed Forces conducted nine precision standoff strikes”
Operation Sindoor signals a transition in Indian military strategy from defensive posturing to a 'proactive' deterrence model. By utilizing standoff precision strikes and indigenous weaponry, India demonstrated its ability to hit high-value targets deep within adversary territory while minimizing risk to its own personnel. This approach seeks to create a psychological and physical cost for terror groups operating across the Line of Control.
