Attack To Defence: How PM Modi Strengthened India’s ‘Suraksha Kavach’ Over 10 Years

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Operation Sindoor: This level of preparedness didn’t materialise overnight. Since 2014, the Modi government has systematically upgraded India’s air defence architecture

The Modi government’s approach to defence has been about building a resilient, multi-layered ecosystem. (File)
The Modi government’s approach to defence has been about building a resilient, multi-layered ecosystem. (File)

In the wake of the Operation Sindoor that destroyed nine terrorist camps across Pakistan, Pakistan attempted to escalate tensions by launching missile strikes at Indian military installations across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

Every single one of those missiles was intercepted or neutralised. None reached its intended target.

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    India’s rapid, coordinated response showcased the strength of its air defence ecosystem—built painstakingly over the past 11 years under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also exposed the hollowness of Pakistani Air defence system.

    The Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumf systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, and DRDO’s antidrone technologies came together seamlessly to create an aerial shield that held firm.

    ALSO READ | After Sindoor Attack On Pakistan, How Equipped Is India’s Defence? Explained

    A DECADE OF STRATEGIC PREPAREDNESS

    This level of preparedness didn’t materialise overnight. Since 2014, the Modi government has systematically upgraded India’s air defence architecture.

    Key acquisitions and developments include:

    • The Rs 35,000-crore deal for five S-400 Triumf squadrons, signed in 2018, with three squadrons now operational along the borders with China and Pakistan.
    • Deployment of Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM), $2.5-billion deal signed in 2017 with Israel, now actively guarding frontline bases like Bhatinda.
    • Indigenous Akash missile batteries and DRDO-developed counter-drone systems.
    • Man Portable Counter Drone Systems (MPCDS) to jam and disable hostile UAVs installed in 2024.

    THE RISE OF INDIAN TECH IN MODERN WARFARE

    Operation Sindoor also marked the combat debut of loitering munitions— suicidal drones ordered in 2021 and manufactured in India. These drones executed simultaneous, precision strikes across sectors, taking Pakistan’s defences by complete surprise.

    Additionally, Israeli-origin Harop drones—now locally built—were deployed to target and destroy air defence assets in Karachi and Lahore. These platforms, combined with the strategic deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, demonstrated India’s capability to project power with surgical precision.

    ALSO READ | How ‘Akash’ Foils Pak Attacks, Keeps Skies Clear: The Made In India Missile Defence System Explained

    AIRSPACE, SECURED. REPUTATION, REINFORCED

    The Modi government’s approach to defence has not been about flashy one-offs—it has been about building a resilient, multi-layered ecosystem.

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      India today operates a tech-driven airspace defence network capable of detecting, jamming, and eliminating threats before they breach.

      Operation Sindoor sent a clear message: India is not just capable of defending its skies—it now controls them.

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