Operation Sindoor: What are Harop drones used to hit Pakistani air defence systems?

Harop drones, a cutting-edge loitering munitions developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), is designed to hunt and destroy enemy radar systems and air defence assets. With the ability to loiter for up to nine hours over a battlefield, it can identify targets independently and strike with deadly precision.

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Harop's lethal edge in modern warfare

The Harop drone's anti-radiation sensors, GNSS-jamming resistance, and real-time control give it a lethal edge in modern warfare.

These drones can be launched from mobile land vehicles or naval platforms, making them adaptable to any terrain — and ideal for swift, targeted action like that seen in Operation Sindoor.

Defence analysts say the operation is more than a tactical strike — it’s a strategic message. By targeting Pakistan’s core defence infrastructure, India is sending a clear signal: it will not hesitate to cross the line when national security and civilian lives are at stake.

India’s increasing reliance on unmanned precision systems like the Harop reflects a broader shift toward tech-driven military dominance — a doctrine that prioritises agility, accuracy, and minimum risk to personnel.

As global eyes turn to South Asia, the message from New Delhi is unmistakable: terrorism will be met with targeted, unforgiving consequences.

Adaptable to any terrain for precision strikes

In a decisive show of force, the Indian Armed Forces have launched Operation Sindoor, deploying Israeli-origin Harop drones to carry out precision strikes deep inside Pakistan. The move comes as a direct response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that left 26 civilians dead, allegedly at the hands of Pakistan-backed terrorists.

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One of the most significant targets hit was a Pakistani air defence installation in Lahore, which was successfully neutralised. Multiple strategic military sites across the border were reportedly struck, marking a major escalation in India's counter-terror operations.