Indian forces launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, targeting terror launchpads in Pakistan with calibrated strikes that escalated after Pakistan attempted attacks on Indian cities and military installations. On May 10, 2025, the Indian Air Force struck multiple operational air bases inside Pakistan including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, Chunian, Pasrur and Sialkot, disabling runways and degrading aerial response capabilities within hours.

Air-launched precision weapons disrupted Pakistani command and logistics chains while satellite imagery confirmed damage to strategic installations. Defence sources noted the strikes signaled capability to target sensitive infrastructure near Kirana Hills, though Air Marshal AK Bharti denied hitting underground nuclear facilities, with a former US official characterizing the operation as a warning touching Pakistan's strategic deterrence layers.

The operation has accelerated India's shift from platform warfare to integrated system-of-systems combat, embedding drone units across infantry battalions and standardizing aerial threat neutralization protocols across military services. Ashni Platoons now operate under the Army's 'Eagle in the Arm' doctrine while registered drones reached 38,575 units with regulatory approval steps reduced from 72 to 4 as of February 2026.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh cited the operation as validation of India's tech-driven military transformation, with emergency procurement procedures fast-tracking six acquisitions and the FY27 defence budget rising 15.2 percent. Private defence startups report the operation ignited domestic production capacity, with industry leaders stating the focus has shifted to manufacturing speed rather than indigenous capability validation.