In a striking declaration, Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, the Director General of Army Air Defence, reinforced India’s military capabilities by stating that the entire territory of Pakistan falls within India’s strike range. This assertion was made during an interview with ANI, following the execution of Operation Sindoor, a sophisticated military response to the terror attack in Pahalgam on May 7. D’Cunha emphasized that no matter where Pakistan relocates its military headquarters, they will remain within India’s reach.
Operation Sindoor represented a significant escalation in India’s military strategy, characterized by a multi-faceted approach that encompassed aerial precision strikes, drone operations, mechanized ground actions, and the application of electronic warfare. Targets ranged from terror camps in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) to vital military infrastructure deep within Pakistan itself.
Lt Gen D’Cunha elaborated on India’s preparations, highlighting the establishment of both conventional deterrence and a proactive defense doctrine grounded in indigenous technologies. The operation leveraged long-range drones, loitering munitions, and advanced electronic warfare systems, allowing for high-precision targeting while minimizing risks.
A noteworthy aspect of Operation Sindoor was its success in neutralizing drone and missile threats. Anticipating potential tactics from Pakistan, the Indian Army conducted extensive drone simulation exercises shortly before the operation, preparing personnel to effectively respond to mass drone attacks and refining radar management techniques.
“Our troops were ready before the first drone crossed over,” said D’Cunha, explaining how simulations created “muscle memory” for rapid responses. The operation showcased exceptional inter-service coordination, utilizing real-time satellite surveillance data and intermittent radar activity to maintain operational stealth. The Indian Air Force’s Netra AEW&C aircraft played a crucial role in jamming Pakistani radars, providing Indian drones and fighter jets unrestricted access to their operational zones.
Precision strikes targeted high-value military assets in Pakistan, effectively dismantling enemy radars and missile systems without incurring any losses to Indian equipment or personnel. The outcome of Operation Sindoor extended beyond military objectives; it also aimed to bolster morale among Indian civilians and armed forces. D’Cunha noted, “Our people, including families living in cantonments, felt reassured. Soldiers felt pride. Civilians saw what our forces can do when tested.”
He articulated the operation as a real-life application of the “Shishupala Doctrine,” which advocates patience until a threshold is crossed, followed by decisive and overwhelming retaliation. “This wasn’t just a response. This was a message,” he asserted.
Reflecting on broader military trends, Lt Gen D’Cunha observed that drones are becoming increasingly pivotal in modern warfare. Referencing conflicts in Ukraine, Nagorno-Karabakh, and Israel, he remarked that countries worldwide are amassing drone arsenals. India is also rapidly enhancing its drone capabilities through indigenous development.
The success of Operation Sindoor underscores India’s transformation into a formidable military power, adept at integrating advanced technologies and responding swiftly to threats. D’Cunha’s message was clear: India’s military arsenal—spanning conventional missiles to cutting-edge electronic warfare—is primed for action across all domains, making any region of Pakistan susceptible to military retaliation.
