Operation Sindoor: Indian fighter jets carried out missile strikes early Wednesday on nine terror locations inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The Indian Air Force (IAF) used SCALP and HAMMER missiles during the strikes, targeting key bases of terrorist outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad in Bahawalpur. The Indian Army confirmed the operation, named ‘Operation Sindoor’, in a statement released at 1:44 am.
The IAF deployed Rafale jets to execute the operation. These jets launched the SCALP missiles for deep strike missions, along with HAMMER missiles for medium-range precision targets.
Also Read: Catch all the live updates about Operation Sindoor here
SCALP is manufactured by MBDA, a European defense company. It weighs around 1,300 kilograms (2,870 pounds) and is designed to destroy targets such as hardened bunkers and critical infrastructure. The missile is usually deployed from fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and France’s Rafale.
In addition to India, the missile has also been used in military operations in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. It was also provided to Ukraine, where its range extended the country's reach by nearly three times, enabling deep strikes behind Russian lines.
HAMMER is known for its modular design. It can be equipped with different guidance systems such as GPS, infrared imaging, or laser targeting. This flexibility makes it useful against a wide range of targets, including fortified structures and mobile assets.
Operation Sindoor
In ‘Operation Sindoor’, HAMMER missiles were deployed to strike targets that required precise and versatile engagement. These included medium-range targets and potentially moving assets of terror outfits in the region.
The use of HAMMER gave the IAF the ability to strike locations where more adaptable missile guidance was needed. Its deployment complements the SCALP missile, which is designed for long-range attacks on stationary targets.
Together with SCALP, HAMMER missiles enabled the Indian Air Force to strike deeply and precisely into Pakistani territory, hitting terror infrastructure without the need for ground troop engagement.
According to reports, the use of SCALP and HAMMER missiles marked a strategic choice for the Indian Air Force to hit key infrastructure and terrorist strongholds with precision and at long range.
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Operation Sindoor: What are SCALP Missiles?
SCALP, also known as Storm Shadow, is a long-range air-launched cruise missile. It is conventionally armed and used for deep strike missions against high-value, fixed or stationary targets.Also Read: Catch all the live updates about Operation Sindoor here
SCALP is manufactured by MBDA, a European defense company. It weighs around 1,300 kilograms (2,870 pounds) and is designed to destroy targets such as hardened bunkers and critical infrastructure. The missile is usually deployed from fighter jets like the Eurofighter Typhoon and France’s Rafale.
SCALP: Capabilities and Usage
The SCALP missile allows the Indian Air Force to carry out stealth strikes far into enemy territory. It supports pre-planned missions aimed at fixed strategic targets.In addition to India, the missile has also been used in military operations in Iraq, Libya, and Syria. It was also provided to Ukraine, where its range extended the country's reach by nearly three times, enabling deep strikes behind Russian lines.
Operation Sindoor: What is a HAMMER Missile?
HAMMER stands for Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range. It is an air-to-ground, precision-guided missile system designed by Safran Electronics & Defense, a French defense company. The missile is used for medium-range tactical operations and can strike targets with high accuracy.HAMMER is known for its modular design. It can be equipped with different guidance systems such as GPS, infrared imaging, or laser targeting. This flexibility makes it useful against a wide range of targets, including fortified structures and mobile assets.
Kamikaze Drones
Often referred to as "kamikaze drones," these systems were used for monitoring, identifying targets, and carrying out final strikes. They remain airborne over potential targets and engage threats either through autonomous decision-making or remote human control.Operation Sindoor
In ‘Operation Sindoor’, HAMMER missiles were deployed to strike targets that required precise and versatile engagement. These included medium-range targets and potentially moving assets of terror outfits in the region.The use of HAMMER gave the IAF the ability to strike locations where more adaptable missile guidance was needed. Its deployment complements the SCALP missile, which is designed for long-range attacks on stationary targets.
Together with SCALP, HAMMER missiles enabled the Indian Air Force to strike deeply and precisely into Pakistani territory, hitting terror infrastructure without the need for ground troop engagement.
Indian Army Statement on Operation Sindoor
The Indian Army said in its official statement: “The military strikes were carried out under ‘Operation Sindoor’.”According to reports, the use of SCALP and HAMMER missiles marked a strategic choice for the Indian Air Force to hit key infrastructure and terrorist strongholds with precision and at long range.
