On May 7, 2025, India launched Operation Sindoor, a precise military strike targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation responded to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam attack, which killed 26 people, mostly tourists. The Indian Air Force (IAF) deployed SCALP EG cruise missiles and AASM Hammer guided bombs from Rafale jets, showcasing advanced precision weaponry. This article, crafted by The Interview Times staff, details these missiles and their strategic role in the operation.
SCALP EG Cruise Missile: Precision at Long Range
The SCALP EG, a French-British cruise missile developed by MBDA, is designed for deep strikes against fortified targets. Integrated with the IAF’s Dassault Rafale jets, acquired in 2016, it offers standoff capabilities, allowing attacks from safe distances.
Technical Specifications
- Range: Over 560 km, enabling deep strikes.
- Warhead: 450 kg BROACH warhead, penetrating hardened structures.
- Guidance: Inertial navigation, GPS, terrain-referenced navigation, and infrared seeker for pinpoint accuracy.
- Stealth: Low-observable design evades radar.
- Speed: Subsonic, Mach 0.8 (1,000 km/h).
- Weight: Approximately 1,300 kg.
Role in Operation Sindoor
The IAF used SCALP EG missiles to hit nine terrorist sites, including Muridke’s Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters, and facilities in Bahawalpur, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli, linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Launched from Indian airspace, the missiles avoided Pakistani defenses like the HQ-9 system. The BROACH warhead destroyed fortified camps, while the missile’s stealth and terrain-hugging path minimized detection. Precision targeting limited collateral damage, supporting India’s claim of striking only terrorist infrastructure, sparing military assets.
Strategic Impact
The SCALP EG’s use demonstrated India’s ability to conduct standoff warfare, striking deep without crossing the Line of Control (LoC). This strengthens deterrence, showing terrorist hubs in populated areas are vulnerable. Rafale’s avionics enhanced targeting, underscoring the IAF’s technological edge.
AASM Hammer Guided Bombs: Versatile Precision
The AASM Hammer, developed by Safran, transforms unguided bombs into smart munitions with guidance kits. Used with Rafale jets, it targets both static and moving objects with high accuracy.
Technical Specifications
- Range: Up to 70 km at high altitude.
- Warhead: Typically 250 kg for precision strikes.
- Guidance: INS/GPS, with optional infrared or laser guidance.
- Accuracy: CEP under 10 meters.
- Weight: 340 kg for 250 kg variant.
- Propulsion: Rocket booster for extended range.
Role in Operation Sindoor
The Hammer targeted camps requiring precise strikes, likely in Kotli and Muzaffarabad, closer to the LoC. Its modular warheads minimized civilian impact in areas like Bahawalpur, despite Pakistani reports of casualties, including a child. Infrared and laser guidance ensured accuracy against potential countermeasures. The rocket booster allowed standoff launches, keeping Rafale jets beyond Pakistan’s air defenses.
Strategic Impact
The Hammer’s all-weather capability and flexibility enabled effective strikes under varying conditions. Combined with SCALP EG, it provided a layered approach, addressing proximate and deep targets, enhancing India’s counterterrorism strategy.
Operational Context
Operation Sindoor, a joint Army-Air Force effort, struck nine sites tied to the Pahalgam attack without entering Pakistani airspace. Precision munitions ensured high success while avoiding military targets. However, Pakistani claims of civilian losses highlight challenges in populated areas. The operation balanced effectiveness with restraint to prevent escalation.
Comparison with Balakot
Unlike the 2019 Balakot strike, where Mirage 2000 jets used Spice 2000 bombs and crossed the LoC, Operation Sindoor leveraged Rafale’s standoff capabilities. SCALP EG and Hammer offered superior range and stealth, marking a technological leap.
Regional Implications
The strikes drew global calls for restraint, given India and Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities. India’s use of French munitions deepened ties with France, while exposing gaps in Pakistan’s defenses, prompting potential strategic shifts.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor’s use of SCALP EG and AASM Hammer munitions on May 7, 2025, showcased India’s precision counterterrorism capabilities. Striking nine terrorist sites, the operation targeted groups behind the Pahalgam attack while avoiding broader conflict. As reported by The Interview Times, these advanced munitions highlight India’s evolving defense strategy, with significant implications for regional security.