The Indian armed forces reiterated on Monday that Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack, was aimed solely at terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). The military stressed that any losses incurred by Pakistan were a direct consequence of its own decisions, particularly the choice of its military to engage in the conflict.
The operation, launched on May 7, destroyed at least nine terror camps across the border. Following Pakistan’s aerial attacks on Indian civilian and military targets, Indian forces carried out retaliatory strikes, targeting three Pakistani airfields. According to the armed forces, the coordinated strikes resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and 30–40 Pakistani military personnel.
"Our fight was with terrorists and their infrastructure—not with the Pakistani military. That is why our strikes on May 7 were limited to terror camps," said Air Marshal AK Bharti during a special media briefing. "It is unfortunate that Pakistan's military chose to align itself with terrorists and escalated the conflict. Our retaliation was necessary, and they are responsible for their own losses," he added.
Joining Air Marshal Bharti at the briefing were Director General of Military Operations Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Vice Admiral A.N. Pramod, and Maj Gen S.S. Sharda.
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India’s Air Defence: A Multi-Layered Shield
Highlighting the role of India's air defence systems during the conflict, Air Marshal Bharti described them as “a wall” that effectively protected the country from enemy threats. “It was impenetrable for the enemy,” he said, crediting the coordinated efforts of the Air Force, Army, and Navy in ensuring national security.
He elaborated on the multi-layered nature of India’s integrated air defence network, which includes both indigenous and legacy systems. The framework comprises a wide range of sensor and weapon platforms—from point defence systems like low-level air defence (LLAD) guns, shoulder-fired MANPADs, and short-range surface-to-air missiles, to more extensive area defence systems such as fighter aircraft and long-range missile systems.
Pakistan reportedly employed drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) in its attacks on Indian positions. These, Bharti said, were effectively neutralised by India’s indigenously developed counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS), which employ both soft- and hard-kill technologies, along with well-trained air defence personnel.
Notably, older but battle-proven platforms such as the Pechora, Osa-AK, and LLAD guns also played a key role in neutralising Pakistani threats. “These systems have stood the test of time and performed remarkably well in the face of modern threats,” Bharti said.
He also praised the performance of indigenous systems, including the Akash surface-to-air missile system, which he described as a highlight of the operation.
The cross-border hostilities concluded on Saturday after both countries announced a ceasefire agreement. While a brief violation was reported on Saturday evening, the situation remained largely peaceful through Sunday night. The Indian Army confirmed in a statement Monday morning that no further incidents had been reported.
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