SOURCE: IDRW.ORG
The recent India-Pakistan skirmish, dubbed Operation Sindoor, marked a pivotal moment for India’s defence industry, providing a real-world proving ground for an array of indigenously developed weapons from the private sector. Conducted in May 2025, this operation saw the Indian Armed Forces deploy and test advanced platforms, including Tata Advanced Systems Limited’s (TASL) ALS-50 Loitering Munition, NewSpace Research and Technologies’ Swarm Drones, Mahindra’s Armado Armoured Vehicle, Johnnette Technologies’ JM-1 Loitering Munition, and the VajraShot Anti-Drone Gun.
The successful battlefield use of these systems against Pakistani forces, particularly in countering drone swarms and precision strikes, has earned them the coveted “combat-tested” label, significantly enhancing their appeal in the global defence market. This milestone not only validates India’s push for self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative but also positions these platforms as viable export options for countries previously hesitant due to their untested status.
Combat-Tested Platforms and Their Capabilities
- Tata ALS-50 Loitering Munition
Developed by TASL, the ALS-50 is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) loitering munition with a 50 km range and a 23 kg payload capacity, capable of carrying high-explosive warheads for precision strikes. Its ability to transition to fixed-wing mode for long-distance travel and operate in high-altitude environments like Ladakh was proven during trials in 2022 and Pokhran in 2023. During Operation Sindoor, the ALS-50 was used to target Pakistani forward posts and supply lines, leveraging its anti-jamming capabilities and autonomous navigation to strike with high accuracy in GNSS-denied environments. Its compact design and rapid deployment made it ideal for disrupting logistics and communications, earning praise for its performance against Pakistani drone swarms and fortifications. - NewSpace Swarm Drones
NewSpace Research and Technologies delivered 100 heterogeneous swarm drones to the Indian Army in September 2021, with further inductions in February 2023 during Aero India. These AI-driven drones, capable of coordinated surveillance and attack missions over a 50 km range, overwhelmed Pakistani air defences during Operation Sindoor. Their ability to split into smaller groups for tactical flexibility and operate in GPS-denied environments proved critical in saturating enemy radar systems, allowing higher-value assets like the IAI Harop to penetrate deeper. The swarm drones’ success in both offensive and defensive roles has positioned them as a force multiplier, attracting interest from countries seeking cost-effective unmanned solutions. - Mahindra Armado Armoured Vehicle
The Mahindra Armado, a light armoured specialist vehicle (ALSV), is designed for special forces and reconnaissance missions, offering protection against small arms fire and mine blasts. Equipped with advanced electronics and modular weapon mounts, it was deployed during Operation Sindoor to support ground operations along the Line of Control (LoC). The Armado’s ability to operate in rugged terrains and carry surveillance drones enhanced battlefield situational awareness, enabling rapid response to Pakistani incursions. Its combat validation strengthens its case for export to nations requiring versatile, rugged armoured vehicles for counter-terrorism and border security. - Johnnette JM-1 Loitering Munition
The JM-1, developed by Johnnette Technologies, is a lightweight, man-portable loitering munition with a 15–30 km range and a high-explosive fragmentation (HEFRAG) warhead. Designed for anti-personnel and anti-armour missions, it was used in Operation Sindoor to target Pakistani fortifications and militant groups, leveraging its day/night camera for precision strikes. Its compact size and rapid deployment made it ideal for special forces operations in narrow valleys and mountainous terrain along the LoC. The JM-1’s battlefield success highlights its potential for export to countries seeking affordable, short-range kamikaze drones. - VajraShot Anti-Drone Gun
The VajraShot, an indigenous counter-drone system, is a portable, directed-energy weapon designed to jam and neutralize UAVs by disrupting their communication and navigation systems. During Operation Sindoor, it played a critical role in countering Pakistan’s swarm of 400–500 drones, including Chinese-supplied CH-4s and Turkish Bayraktar TB2s, across Punjab and Jammu. Integrated with India’s Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) Grid, the VajraShot effectively jammed enemy drones, forcing them to crash or return to base. Its success in real-world conditions has made it a sought-after solution for nations facing similar drone threats.
The combat validation of these systems during Operation Sindoor has significant implications for India’s defence export ambitions. Countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East, such as Nigeria, the Philippines, and Vietnam, have previously expressed interest in Indian platforms like the Tejas and BrahMos but were cautious due to their lack of battlefield testing. The “combat-tested” stamp earned in this operation addresses these concerns, showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of India’s private-sector defence products. India’s defence exports, which reached ?15,920 crore in 2022–23, are poised for growth, with systems like the ALS-50 and NewSpace Swarm Drones likely to attract buyers seeking cost-effective, proven technologies.
The global military UAV market, projected to grow at a 3.7% CAGR to $568.5 million by 2033, underscores the demand for loitering munitions and swarm drones. India’s ability to offer systems like the ALS-50, with its VTOL capability and high-altitude performance, and the NewSpace Swarm Drones, with their AI-driven autonomy, positions it as a competitive player against established exporters like Israel and Turkey. The Mahindra Armado’s rugged design and the JM-1’s affordability further enhance India’s portfolio, while the VajraShot’s success against Pakistani drones highlights its relevance in countering asymmetric threats.
Operation Sindoor has validated the Indian private sector’s growing role in defence innovation. Companies like TASL, NewSpace, Mahindra, and Johnnette have benefited from the Ministry of Defence’s “Make in India” initiatives, including the Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) and requests for information (RFIs) for loitering munitions and swarm drones. The Indian Army’s procurement of 180 Canister-Launched Loitering Munitions (CALM) and 100 Medium-Range Precision Kill Systems (MRPKS) reflects a commitment to integrating these technologies into mechanized and infantry units.
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