The Indian Navy was fully prepared to unleash 15 MiG-29K fighter jets from INS Vikrant against the Pakistani Navy during Operation Sindoor, Vice Admiral Sobti has revealed. His remarks underline India’s ability to project power and secure its maritime frontiers with speed and precision.
From Exercise to War Footing in 96 Hours
Operation Sindoor was triggered after the Pahalgam terror attack, forcing the Navy to transition from the biennial TROPEX exercise to wartime readiness.
- Within 96 hours, every operational ship was at sea.
- Ships and submarines were fully replenished with ammunition.
- A powerful task force, centered on INS Vikrant, was deployed south of Karachi.
“The aim was to adopt a forward and deterrent posture so that the Pakistan Navy could not threaten our coastline or trade routes,” Vice Admiral Sobti stated.
Pakistan Navy Bottled Up
With 15 MiG-29Ks embarked on Vikrant, supported by destroyers, frigates, and submarines, India established a de facto blockade.
- Pakistani ships were forced to remain close to their coast.
- They had “no freedom of manoeuvre,” Sobti revealed.
- India’s dominance was reinforced by satellites, UAVs, aircraft, and coastal radars, ensuring maritime domain awareness without direct confrontation.
Lessons from Operation Sindoor
The operation highlighted India’s growing focus on non-contact warfare — using long-range missiles, surveillance, and unmanned systems to achieve objectives without crossing borders. Key takeaways include:
- Need for counter-UAV systems: Low-cost drones pose a major challenge, as expensive missiles cannot be wasted on them.
- Electromagnetic management: Counter-drone jammers risk disrupting radar systems, requiring better system integration on crowded warships.
Sobti noted, “Many lessons have been learned from Operation Sindoor, not just by the Navy but across the armed forces. Some measures have already been implemented, while others are being rapidly put into effect.”
Strategic Signal
The swift and overwhelming deployment during Operation Sindoor demonstrated that India can confine adversaries to their shores while protecting trade lifelines and ensuring deterrence. With INS Vikrant and its MiG-29K air wing, the Navy sent a clear message of maritime superiority in the Indian Ocean.
