Page 23 - MANN KI BAAT- ENGLISH

India’s Defence Self Reliance:
Redefining National Security
Dr Samir V. Kamat
Secretary DD (R&D) and
Chairman DRDO
There are defining moments
and events in history which
transform the outlook and
perceptions and bring out
new dimensions. For India
as a nation, the mistake of
adversaries in undertaking the
killing of innocent tourists on 22
April ‘25 at Pahalgam will remain
etched as the defining event.
The formidable capability of
the nation and steely resolve to
respond reflects a new ‘India’
willing to ascend the escalatory
ladder at will and punish the
perpetrators showcased the
political will and unmatched
proficiency of defence forces to
the world.
23
23
Operation Sindoor stands
out as a unique response and
redefines the conventional
paradigms connected
with the national security
doctrines. Steering away from
a conventional approach, the
calibrated and precise targeting
of the hideouts and bases of
the terrorists while ensuring no
collateral damage and without
crossing the International
Border or the LoC demanded
an array of capabilities. This
included intelligence gathering,
surveillance, target acquisition
and selecting the right mix of
punitive strikes to inflict visible
and irreparable damage. At
the same time, safe-guarding
of own assets and neutralising
potential threats remained a
priority.
The maze of military
capabilities in such a scenario
hinged on Air Defence and aerial
delivery systems from drones
to missiles along with active EW
systems which proved to be the
nerve centre to keep firm control
of operations. The indigenous
capabilities proved to be the
first line of defence wherein
not only the attempts of the