In Operation Sindoor, India deployed Rafale fighter jets equipped with Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions to strike nine terror bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. These weapons were chosen for their accuracy, deep-penetration capability, and ability to minimize civilian casualties.
Strategic Choice of Rafale Arsenal
The Rafale jets, which were not available during the 2019 Balakot airstrike, played a crucial role this time. Their inclusion marked a technological leap for India’s air capabilities, replacing the older Mirage 2000 jets.
The Scalp missile, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range air-launched cruise missile developed by European company MBDA. It has a range of approximately 300 km and is designed for stealthy, precision strikes. Scalp uses a combination of INS, GPS, and terrain referencing to accurately hit targets, even at night and in adverse weather. Its infrared seeker compares the target with pre-fed imagery just before impact, ensuring minimal collateral damage. It is particularly effective against fortified enemy structures like bunkers and ammunition depots.
HAMMER: Precision Glide Bombs
The HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) is a French-made all-weather air-to-ground glide bomb produced by Safran. It can be launched from low altitudes, is jamming-resistant, and effective over rough terrain. With a range of up to 70 km, it can be fitted onto standard bombs and is engineered to pierce hardened targets.
This combination allowed Indian forces to deliver high-impact precision strikes on terror infrastructure, especially in Bahawalpur and Muridke, key operational hubs of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).
Coordinated Tri-Service Operation
Though the airstrikes drew the most attention, the operation was carried out with coordination between the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Army. The strikes followed the Pahalgam terror attack, where 26 people, including 25 tourists, were killed by Pakistan-based terrorists. The operation aimed to target leadership and infrastructure of groups behind that attack, as well as past ones like Pulwama.
