Operation Sindoor: What Weapons Did India Use Against Pakistan?

Operation Sindoor was India’s military response to the terrorist attack at Pahalgam in Kashmir on 22 April 2025, in which 26 people were killed. In the early hours of 7 May India struck what it called terrorist infrastructure at nine sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir, and the clash grew into four days of missile, drone and air strikes before a ceasefire on 10 May. It was the most intense fighting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours in decades, and the first in which both relied heavily on drones and long-range precision weapons.

This guide sets out the weapons India used, what Pakistan used against it and what each side claimed.

What was Operation Sindoor?

India said the first strikes, on 7 May, targeted the facilities of the militant groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba and were designed to avoid Pakistani military targets. Pakistan responded with artillery fire along the Line of Control and waves of drones and missiles against Indian cities and bases, and India then struck Pakistani air defences and, on 10 May, a series of Pakistani air bases. Both sides agreed to a ceasefire that evening. Many claims on both sides remain disputed and cannot be independently verified.

India’s strike weapons

The first strikes were carried out mainly by Rafale fighters firing SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer precision bombs, according to widely reported accounts, along with other weapons. On 10 May India used BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, many fired from Su-30MKI fighters, against Pakistani air bases, including Nur Khan near Rawalpindi. Loitering munitions, widely reported to include the Israeli Harop, were used to destroy Pakistani air defence radars. India’s missiles are described in our guides to Indian missiles and BrahMos.

India’s air defence

Pakistan launched hundreds of drones, many of Turkish origin, and missiles and rockets at Indian cities and military sites. Indian officials said most were shot down by a layered network including the S-400, Akash, MRSAM, short-range missiles and old anti-aircraft guns, linked by the army’s Akashteer system. In August 2025 India’s air force chief said the S-400 had shot down five Pakistani fighters and a large surveillance aircraft, one at a range of more than 300 kilometres. Pakistan disputed these claims. The systems are described in our guide to Indian air defence.

Pakistan’s weapons and claims

Pakistan used Chinese-built J-10CE fighters armed with PL-15 long-range missiles, and claimed to have shot down several Indian aircraft, including Rafales. India’s Chief of Defence Staff acknowledged in late May 2025 that India had lost aircraft but did not say how many or of which type. Pakistan also fired Fatah rockets and used Turkish and Chinese drones. The episode drew global attention to Chinese weapons in combat, as described in our article on Chinese arms exports.

What did it show?

The conflict showed that precision missiles, drones and air defence now dominate fighting between India and Pakistan, and that both sides are willing to strike deep into each other’s territory despite their nuclear weapons. India drew lessons in several areas: it placed large orders for drones and loitering munitions, sped up air defence plans under Mission Sudarshan Chakra, and pressed ahead with the purchase of 114 more Rafales. The wider balance between the two countries is covered in a later article in this series.

Frequently asked questions

What was Operation Sindoor?

India’s military operation against Pakistan in May 2025, launched after the terrorist attack at Pahalgam on 22 April 2025.

What weapons did India use in Operation Sindoor?

India used Rafale fighters with SCALP missiles and Hammer bombs, BrahMos missiles, loitering munitions and air defence systems including the S-400 and Akash.

How long did Operation Sindoor last?

About four days, from 7 May until a ceasefire on 10 May 2025.

Did India use BrahMos in Operation Sindoor?

Yes. Indian officials said BrahMos missiles struck several Pakistani air bases on 10 May.

Did India lose aircraft in Operation Sindoor?

India’s Chief of Defence Staff acknowledged losses but did not give numbers or types. Pakistan claimed to have shot down several Indian jets.

What did the S-400 do in Operation Sindoor?

According to the Indian Air Force, it shot down Pakistani fighters and a surveillance aircraft, one at a range of more than 300 kilometres.