Abstract:

India initiated Operation SINDOOR, executing precision missile strikes against alleged terrorist infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (POK). It was a direct response to the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, by Pakistan-based militant groups, notably Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. Pakistan in response, declared the offensive actions by India an act of war and launched swarm of drones and multiple missiles targeting military and civilian installations. Use of low-cost drones by Pakistan signaled a shift in its strategy for cross border terrorism due to its low cost, ease of deployment, strategic advantage and also challenging India's traditional air defence systems. The Indian AD systems undertook destruction of the drones and missiles using kinetic and non-kinetic means however, there were casualties on the Indian side.

Introduction

On May 7, 2025, India launched "Operation SINDOOR," a series of precision missile strikes targeting what it described as terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir (POK)1 . This action was in retaliation for a terrorist attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, which resulted in the deaths of 28 civilians, primarily tourists. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The Indian Air Force (IAF) employed Rafale jets equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and AASM Hammer bombs during the 23-minute operation 2 . Targets included locations in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Sialkot, Kotli, and Muzaffarabad. India claimed the strikes eliminated over 100 militants, including close aides and family members of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar.

In response, Pakistan condemned the strikes as an act of war and vowed retaliation. The Pakistan Army reportedly conducted heavy mortar and artillery shelling on Indian positions in Poonch, leading to civilian casualties. Both nations engaged in further military actions, with Pakistan launching multiple low-cost drone incursions. India reported intercepting multiple Pakistani missiles targeting cities like Amritsar and Jammu using its S-400 air defence system. The conflict led to blackouts in several Indian states, including Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat

Pakistan’s Low-Cost Drone War

Drones, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft that operate without a human pilot onboard. It can be controlled remotely or fly autonomously based on pre-programmed flight plans or more complex dynamic automation systems. Drones come in various types, ranging from small hobbyist models to large military aircraft. The drones can be assembled from COTS equipment or modified in a workshop at a fraction of the cost of the missiles or bullets used to neutralise them. The increasing frequency of drone incursions along the India- Pakistan border underscores the growing threat. In 2024 alone, the Border Security Force (BSF) intercepted 125 drones from Pakistan a significant rise from the previous years 3 .

On 07-08 May 25, urban centres like Ludhiana, Jalandhar and Jammu, air raid sirens were briefly activated and were under blackout for hours when low-flying objects, flashes of light and sonic bursts lead to panic in civilian areas along the Western Front. Thus, Operation SINDOOR witnessed Hyeconomic 4 (Hybrid & Economic) Warfare wherein, the adversary (Pakistan) employed cheap drones which resulted in the triggering of a response by India by activating defence systems worth crores of rupees

Pakistan employed nearly 300 to 400 Songar Drones of Turkish origin to target nearly 36 locations during its attack on India on the intervening night of May 08 and 09 5 . Songar Drones was developed by the Ankara based Asisguard defense industry for the Turkish Defence Forces. It consists of features like route-planning, autonomous flight, transmit telemetry data/ images and autonomous return-to-base operation in critical battery-charge-level and data-link-disconnection situations. These drones are also designed to take off and land autonomously with the ability to ascend up to an maximum altitude of 2800m (above MSL) with an operating range of 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) and were armed with 5.56mm NATO Standard firearms 6 .

It can also be used to carry and fire upto six laser guided mini missiles. Pakistan found it advantageous to use Songar Drones against India, because of it is low-cost, can be modified according to their needs, easy to use, light weight and can be carried by military personnel in multiple units in vehicles. Reports on social media suggest 400 drones cost approximately ₹80 crore, which is about $24,000 per unit7 . Thus, tempting Pakistan to use Songar Drones in bulk. India's air defence (AD) destroyed most of the drone incursions using kinetic and non-kinetic means using a mix of systems AD systems like L-70 and ZU-23mm guns, Schilka platforms, DRDO’s electronic warfare suites and jamming technologies which are expensive 8 .

In Operation SINDOOR, use of low-cost drones by Pakistan bears clear comparisons to Russia’s use of Iranian-made Shahed drones in Ukraine to overwhelm the Western supplied AD systems. Though low in precision, these drone attacks came with a high cost-benefit ratio draining expensive interceptor missiles and ammunition. Pakistan seems to have adapted this model of Asymmetric Warfare, deploying Chinese commercial-grade or locally modified drones and Turkish made Asisguard Songar UAVs across key Indian military hubs from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) to Gujarat. Pakistan a weaker adversary challenged India asymmetrically using the cheaper drones, available technology and used swarm of drones to overwhelm the Indian AD systems at multiple locations. These drones played a crucial role in targeted attacks, intelligence gathering, artillery spotting, significant psychological impact and on the Indian side there were reported human casualties and destruction of civilian property due to drone attacks 9

Pakistan’s Appeal of using Drone Warfare in Operation SINDOOR

In Operation SINDOOR, use of low-cost drones represents a significant escalation in the hybrid war, leveraging technology to circumvent traditional security measures and inflict damage with minimal resource expenditure. The operational simplicity and affordability of First Person View (FPV) drones, combined with their potential for surveillance, weapon delivery, and psychological warfare, pose a severe threat to India's internal security (IS), particularly in the volatile region of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). Also, the reliance on traditional counter terrorism strategies by India is proving inadequate in addressing the agility and adaptability of the drone-based attacks. Thus, India grapples with the challenges of detecting, tracking, and neutralizing these low-cost but potent threats.

The strategic intent of using these drones by Pakistan in addition to targeted attacks was reconnaissance and intelligence gathering, psychological warfare, overwhelming air defences, testing response capabilities, potential for future armed attacks and exploiting the element of surprise. Military analysts suggest that the drone offensive was not just aimed at causing direct damage but was also a multi-pronged strategy to exhaust Indian air defence resources probe vulnerabilities, map radar coverage and response times 10 . FPV drones, have found favour with the Pakistani military establishment as they offer unparalleled maneuverability, deniability, lower cost option vis a vis training and sending terrorists/ regulars across the international border and a first-person perspective through the attached camera. Their lightweight design, rapid deployment, and ability to navigate through complex environments make them ideal for various purposes, including:

 Reconnaissance. FPV drones can be deployed for surveillance, gathering intelligence on troop movements, infrastructure targets, and security vulnerabilities. Their small size makes them difficult to detect, allowing for covert observation

 Targeted Attacks. These drones can be weaponized with explosives, grenades, mortars or other payloads for targeted attacks on security forces, critical infrastructure, and civilian targets. Their agility allows them to evade detection and strike with precision.

 Psychological Warfare. The mere presence of drones can instill fear and disrupt daily life, particularly in already volatile regions. Drone-mounted loudspeakers can spread propaganda, further exacerbating tensions.

 Smuggling. FPV drones facilitate the smuggling of arms, ammunition, drugs, and other contraband across borders, undermining border security and fueling terrorism

The appeal of FPV drones in hybrid warfare stems from their affordability and accessibility. These drones, often costing a few hundred dollars, can be easily purchased online or assembled from readily available components. This low barrier to entry allows even non-state actors to acquire and deploy these technologies, challenging the dominance of State militaries. The effectiveness of these drones lies in its ability to exploit existing vulnerabilities within India's AD security apparatus. Thus, the need for India to bolster its AD Systems by an integrated and comprehensive Counter Drone Policy by its Armed Forces

Recommendations

The Indian AD systems have been very successful in thwarting off drone and missile attacks using the existing military equipment. However, the battlefield is evolving and so must our countermeasures in speed, scale and strategy. Newer technologies are coming to fore using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and light weight undetectable weather resistant material. Pakistan has shown the capability to learn and adapt these new technologies and strategies from the various skirmishes and wars world over. Thus, the Indian Armed Forces need to remain ever vigilant and focussed on the following:

 Need for Enhanced Drone Detection and Tracking Systems. Existing radar and AD systems may struggle to effectively counter swarms of small, low-flying drones. India needs to invest in and deploy advanced technologies like counter-drone radar, electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors, and acoustic detection systems specifically designed for small drones.

 Develop Robust Counter-Drone Capabilities.Interception methods need to be diversified beyond traditional AD missiles, which are too expensive for cheap drones. This includes:

 Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems. Jamming drone communication and navigation signals

 Directed Energy Weapons (DEWs). High-powered lasers or microwave weapons to disable drones

 Net Guns and Drone-Catching Drones. Lower-cost solutions for capturing or neutralizing drones.

 Kinetic Interceptors. Small, agile drones designed to intercept enemy drones.

 Strengthening Border Security and Airspace Management.Enhanced surveillance and monitoring along the border and within Indian airspace are crucial to detect and respond to drone incursions early

 Intelligence and Early Warning Systems.Developing intelligence capabilities to anticipate and pre-empt such operations. Understanding the adversary's drone capabilities and deployment patterns is vital.

 Civil-Military Fusion for Counter-Drone Technology.Collaboration between defence research organizations, private sector companies, and academia is essential to rapidly develop and deploy effective counter-drone solutions. Develop capabilities to align with Atma Nirbhar Bharat

 Training and Doctrine.Indian Armed forces need to adapt their training and operational doctrines to effectively counter drone threats. This includes developing specialized units and procedures for drone warfare.

 Cost-Effective Defence Strategies.Finding a balance between investing in expensive high-end defence systems and developing cost-effective solutions to counter cheap drone threats is crucial.

 Public Awareness and Education.Educating the public about potential drone threats and safety measures, especially in vulnerable areas

Conclusion

On May 10, 2025, a ceasefire was brokered and despite the agreement, both India and Pakistan accused each other of violating the ceasefire shortly after it was implemented 11 . The deployment of FPV drones by Pakistan signals a potential doctrinal shift in its approach from conventional cross- border skirmishes to technologically enabled, low-cost, asymmetric warfare aimed at surveillance, disruption and strategic messaging. The low cost and accessibility of FPV drones have diminished the effectiveness of traditional military deterrence, necessitating new strategies and technologies. India must develop a multi-layered approach combining technological solutions, intelligence gathering and tactical responses to effectively counter the drone threat. Investing in advanced technologies, enhancing border security and fostering indigenous defence capabilities aligning with India's Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative will be crucial in safeguarding national security against emerging threats.

Endnotes:

1. Ministry of Defence (Mod), “Pakistan’s Bid to Escalate Negated - Proportionate Response by India,” Press Information Bureau, May 08, 2025, https://www.pib.gov.in/pressreleasedetailm.aspx?prid= 2127670.

2. "Operation Sindoor: Indian strikes on Pakistan, PoK hit headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Muhammad," The Indian Express, May 7, 2025, https://indianexpress.com/article/india/operation-sindoor-indian-strikes-on-pakistan-pok-hit- headquarters-of-lashkar-e-taiba-and-jaish-e-muhammad-9993416/.

3. RimJhim Singh, “BSF intercepts 125 drones from Pakistan in 2024, seizes drugs and weapons”, Business Standard, July 10, 2024, https://www.business-standard.com/india- news/bsf-intercepts-125-drones-from-pakistan-in-2024-seizes-drugs-and-weapons- 124071000335_1.html.

4. Hyeconomic, A term coined by the author to represent the recent trend of Hybrid and Economic Warfare.

5. "Pakistan's Massive Drone Incursion Attempt Foiled: 300-400 Turkish SONGAR Drones Target India from Leh to Sir Creek," Indian Defence Research Wing, May 10, 2025, https://idrw.org/pakistans-massive-drone-incursion-attempt-foiled-300-400-turkish-songar- drones-target-india-from-leh-to-sir-creek/

6. Manish, “Asisguard Songar Top-speed, Specifications and Characteristics,” gacaalumni.in, May 09, 2025, https://gacaalumni.in/asisguard-songar-price-in-india.

7. Girish Linganna, “Why Pakistan was tempted to use Turkiye's Songar to target India”, Mathrubhumi, May 09, 2025, https://english.mathrubhumi.com/features/specials/why- pakistan-was-tempted-to-use-turkiyes-songar-to-target-india-s3xdaunl.

8. Ravi Shankar and Huma Siddiqui, “Cheap Drones, Expensive Lessons: Pakistan’s New Hybrid Warfare Playbook”, Bharatshakti, https://bharatshakti.in/cheap-drones-expensive￾lessons-pakistans- new-hybrid-warfare-playbook.

9. Munir Ahmed and Aijaz Hussain, "India-Pakistan ceasefire shaken by overnight border fighting in disputed Kashmir region," AP News, May 10, 2025, https://apnews.com/article/6fa80010fa8ffee1da1f2 8e7b593aa2d

<10. Ravi Shankar, “Drone Warfare Widens: India Neutralises Pakistani Attacks, Hits Key Air Defence Hubs”, May 09, 2025, Bharatshakti.in, https://bharatshakti.in/drone-warfare- widens-india-neutralises-pakistani-attacks-hits-key-air-defence-hubs/p>

11. Sayan Bose and Tahir Ibn Manzoor, "India & Pakistan accuse each other of violating ceasefire as explosions heard in Kashmir hours after nations agreed deal," The Scottish Sun, May 10, 2025, https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/14771509/explosions-kashmir- pakistan-india-ceasefire.

About The Author

Colonel Abhik Kar is Sapper officer, commissioned in 1996. An alumni of NDA Khadakwasla, Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and Naval War College, Goa. The officer has published articles in International Journals on Ukraine War, Indo-Nepal Relations and Drone Warfare. He has submitted his Ph.D thesis at the University of Mumbai and presently a Research Scholar at Naval War College, Goa.