During India’s Operation Sindoor to avenge Pahalgam terror attack, it is been reported that India used powerful weapons to strike Pakistan. These included the deadly BrahMos supersonic missiles and Harop drones. The Harop is also called a “kamikaze drone” because it destroys itself while hitting the target. These Israeli-made drones targeted and destroyed Pakistan’s air defence radars, especially near Lahore. This made it easier for India to carry out the next wave of attacks. Now, reports suggest that India may have tricked Pakistan into exposing its defences for a deeper strike. How exactly did India outsmart Pakistan, and where did this strategic deception take place? Here are the answers to that.
What Happened On May 7?
In one of India’s boldest and most strategic military operations, the Indian Air Force used powerful BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to destroy key Pakistani air bases during the second phase of Operation Sindoor. With strong backing from other branches of the armed forces, the IAF reportedly hit 11 out of 12 Pakistani air bases across the country, also damaging air defence systems that were supported by China.
Sources told ANI that around 15 BrahMos missiles were used in highly targeted strikes, hitting important military sites and weakening Pakistan’s ability to defend or launch attacks. In addition to the BrahMos, India also used Scalp missiles launched from Rafale fighter jets, making this a highly coordinated and effective assault.
“This was the first time the BrahMos missile system was used in an active conflict,” sources in the defence establishment was quoted as saying by ANI. “Its performance exceeded expectations, delivering high-precision strikes that crippled key Pakistani air assets and defence networks,” the source said.
What Did The Dummy Aircraft Do?
Reports suggest that the IAF had a plan to trick the Pakistan forces, so that they could strike deep and hard inside the Islamic country. India started with the launch of dummy pilotless aircraft, which were camouflaged to look like fighters on enemy radars. India used a clever trick to fool Pakistan into revealing its air defence systems. When Pakistan saw the fake threat, it quickly switched on its radars and activated missile launchers, including the powerful HQ-9 system. But that was exactly what India wanted. As soon as these defences were exposed, Indian forces sent in special drones called Harop, which act like flying bombs, to destroy Pakistan’s air defence network.
BrahMos Missiles Played Central Role
After weakening Pakistan’s air defences, the Indian Air Force moved in with powerful long-range missile attacks on key Pakistani air bases. They used advanced weapons like BrahMos and Scalp missiles to strike with precision. In total, about 15 BrahMos missiles were fired, along with other high-tech missiles like Rampage and Crystal Maze. These strikes were launched from India’s Western and Southwestern Air Commands, hitting Pakistan hard and fast.
“The BrahMos missiles played a central role in disabling runways, hardened shelters, and command centres, significantly degrading the Pakistan Air Force’s ability to launch counter-operations,” ANI reported, citing multiple defence sources.
When the Pakistani Air Force launched aerial attacks using missiles and combat drones, India’s defence systems were ready. Thanks to a powerful mix of the Russian-made S-400, India’s own Akash missiles, and MRSAM systems, most of the incoming threats were successfully blocked. Even older defence systems played a role in stopping the attack and keeping the country safe.
Indian AirForce
Indian Air Force (IAF) severely crippled Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems during the recent blitz, according to sources. The operation saw the strategic use of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Scalp missiles launched from Rafale jets to deliver maximum damage. Around 15 BrahMos missiles were reportedly deployed in precision strikes aimed at paralysing Pakistan’s offensive air capabilities, effectively neutralising key military infrastructure and leaving their air defence grid in disarray.
Impact On Pakistan
Even after Pakistan tried to protect its HQ-9 air defence systems by moving them to alternate locations, India’s forces were able to track and strike them down. The operation also included advanced missiles like Rampage and Crystal Maze, adding to the attack’s precision and power. Reports suggest that Pakistan suffered significant losses, including several UAVs and an airborne early warning aircraft. This mission marked the first time BrahMos missiles were used in live combat, proving just how deadly and effective they are on the battlefield.
