The incursion, identified as Operation Sindoor, involved the launch of over 600 drones, including Turkish-made kamikaze models, targeting multiple Indian states such as Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu and Kashmir. The drones aimed at both military installations and civilian areas, with specific targets including the Pathankot Air Force Station and regions like Amritsar and Gurdaspur. India's air defence units successfully intercepted and destroyed the majority of these drones, preventing significant damage and casualties.
The D4 system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation , employs a multi-layered approach to drone defence. It integrates radar, radio frequency detectors, and electro-optical systems to detect and track drones. Upon identification, the system utilises electronic warfare techniques such as GPS spoofing and radio frequency jamming to neutralise threats. If these measures fail, the D4 system resorts to hard-kill options, including laser-directed energy weapons and interceptor drones equipped with nets or blade attachments.
The effectiveness of the D4 system was further demonstrated during the interception of drones in areas including Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot. The Indian Army's Air Defence units deployed advanced weaponry, including L-70 guns and Zu-23mm systems, to counter the aerial threats. These measures ensured the safety of both military assets and civilian populations in the targeted regions.
In addition to the D4 system, India's indigenous 'Bhargavastra' counter-swarm drone system was successfully test-fired at the Seaward Firing Range in Gopalpur, Odisha. Developed by Solar Defence and Aerospace Ltd , Bhargavastra is designed to launch a salvo of micro rockets capable of neutralising drone swarms and jamming UAVs. This development underscores India's commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities through indigenous technologies.