Operation Sindoor: Why did India use Scalp, Hammer missiles to hit terror camps in Pakistan?
New Delhi: India has taken its revenge for the Pahalgam terror attack by destroying nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK) on the intervening night of June 6–7. The missiles used for the major operation, which struck deep inside Pakistan and targeted terror camps, were not just calibrated but also had a tremendous impact. The missiles used by the Indian Army were Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER precision-guided munitions. These high-precision missiles were equipped on the Rafale fighter jets, sources said. These missiles were rained down on terror camps in Pakistan, including Bahawalpur and Muridke, the strongholds of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba.
Under the operation, all three armies – the Indian Army, Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy, carried out airstrikes on a total of nine terrorist bases located in Pakistan and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK) under a joint operation. The major military action was carried out at around 1:30 a.m., aiming to destroy the launchpads and weapons depots of the terrorists.
Operation Sindoor is a retaliation to the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam by Pakistan-based terrorists that killed 26 tourists.
India’s use of Scalp cruise missiles and HAMMER munitions in Operation Sindoor reflects a strategic shift towards targeted strikes on terrorist infrastructure while minimizing civilian harm. This contrasts with the 2019 Balakot airstrike, which utilized older Mirage 2000 aircraft. The inclusion of Rafale jets in the recent operation represents a significant enhancement to India’s military capabilities.
SCALP missile aka STORM SHADOW
Also known as Storm Shadow, SCALP missile is an air-launched cruise missile that is famous for its stealth feature, specifically designed for long-range attacks. It is a favourite among defence forces across the world because it is an all-weather missile which can be operated in night as well.
This missile has a range of 300 km and has unmatched accuracy because of its navigation system. The SCALP missile’s navigation system uses INS, GPS and terrain referencing to precisely hit the target. The missiles is manufactured by MBDA, a European consortium
This missile is highly effective against fortified structures like bunkers and ammunition depots. Its use by Ukraine to strike targets within Russia marked a significant escalation last year.
HAMMER AIR-TO-GROUND BOMB
HAMMER or Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range, is an air-to-ground precision-guided munition that can be used in any weather. The missile has a range of up to 70 km and can be fitted to standard bombs.
Made by French company Safran, the HAMMER missile is insensitive to jamming and is capable of launching from low altitude over rough terrain. The missile is famous because it is difficult to intercept and is capable of penetrating fortified structures.
India’s significant damage to Pakistani terrorist infrastructure, including the destruction of Jaish and Lashkar headquarters, is attributed to effective counter-terrorism operations. These groups were responsible for the Pulwama and Pahalgam attacks.
News