Operation Sindoor: How India Used Dummy Jets To Cripple Pakistan’s Air Defence Network

In a strategic masterstroke, the Indian Air Force deployed unmanned decoy aircraft during Operation Sindoor to bait Pakistan’s radar systems into exposing their locations—enabling precision strikes on critical air bases.

May 17, 2025 | In a bold and tactically sophisticated move, the Indian Air Force (IAF) employed unmanned dummy aircraft disguised as fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, catching Pakistan’s air defence network completely off guard. The decoy tactic was used to neutralize Chinese-supplied HQ-9 missile systems and radar infrastructure by triggering premature activation.

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According to an ANI report quoting top defence sources, India struck 11 of 12 key Pakistani air bases in the early hours of May 10 as part of its sweeping retaliation following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians. The operation marks one of the most advanced examples of electronic warfare and strategic deception in South Asia’s modern conflict history.

Deception Before Destruction

The IAF first launched unmanned target aircraft camouflaged as frontline fighters. These drones mimicked combat flight paths and radar signatures, prompting Pakistani radars and HQ-9 launchers to react defensively. This exposure proved fatal.

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Once the radar and missile positions were identified, India launched an array of long-range missiles including 15 BrahMos, Scalp, Rampage, and Crystal Maze precision-strike systems.

The missile barrage destroyed airstrips, hangars, early-warning systems, and several long-endurance drones, particularly across key installations in Sindh. According to ANI, one airborne early-warning aircraft was also hit, severely degrading Pakistan’s surveillance capability.

This marks the first-ever operational use of the BrahMos missile by India in active conflict, adding another milestone to the already historic operation.

Pakistan’s Counter Plans Collapse

The psychological and strategic shock of losing its air defence readiness reportedly forced Pakistan to abandon retaliatory plans. Within hours of the Indian offensive, Islamabad initiated contact through Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) channels, seeking a ceasefire understanding.

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Tactical Superiority and Air Defence

The IAF executed the strikes under the command of the Western and Southwestern Air Commands, while India’s air defence response to Pakistan’s counterattacks relied heavily on S-400 systems, MRSAM, and Akash units, along with legacy systems.

Despite the ceasefire announced on May 10, drone sightings and minor explosions in Jammu and Kashmir have continued, triggering localised air defence activity.

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Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force, dummy aircrafts, Pakistan air defence, BrahMos missile use, HQ-9 system, electronic warfare India, defence report, Indian missile strikes, India-Pakistan conflict 2025, OperationSindoor,