Operation Sindoor: DGMOs show wreckage of Chinese PL-15 missile, Turkish drones; says layered air defence grid proved impenetrable

NEW DELHI: In a joint press briefing, senior officers from the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force presented key findings and operational highlights of Operation Sindoor, which countered recent Pakistani military action.

The briefing was led by DG Air Operations Air Marshal AK Bharti and DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai.

Air Marshal Bharti revealed that Pakistan used advanced weaponry, including the PL-15 air-to-air missile, of Chinese origin, which failed to hit its target. “You can see the pieces of it on the screen,” he said, showing debris recovered by Indian forces.

He also showcased wreckage of long-range rockets, loiter munitions, and unmanned aerial systems, including Turkish-origin YIHA and Songar drones, which were brought down by India's air defence systems.

“Our battle-proven systems stood the test of time,” Bharti said, highlighting the performance of the indigenous Akash air defence system and the effectiveness of India’s counter-UAS technologies. He credited sustained government investment and policy support over the last decade for India's advanced capabilities.

Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai struck a confident tone, warning against targeting Indian infrastructure. “Targeting our airfields and logistics is way too tough,” he said. In a metaphor-laden message, he referenced cricket legend Virat Kohli's retirement and an old Ashes proverb: "Ashes to ashes, dust to dust, if Thommo don't get ya, Lillee must." Explaining the analogy, Ghai said, “Even if you crossed all the layers, one of the layers of this grid system will hit you.”

Additionally, Air Marshal AK Bharti assured that "all our military bases, all our systems continue to remain fully operational and ready to undertake any future missions should the need so arise."

The briefing emphasized that multiple aerial threats were neutralized over the last week, and Indian defences remain on high alert.