• Source:JND
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Operation Sindoor: In a stunning display of military strategy, the Indian Air Force (IAF) used dummy aircraft disguised as fighter jets to trick and disable Pakistan’s air defence systems during Operation Sindoor—India’s swift and powerful response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. These decoy aircraft played a critical role in India’s successful strikes, exposing key Pakistani military positions and paving the way for precision missile attacks.

According to an ANI report citing top defence sources, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) were camouflaged to look like actual combat jets. On the night of May 9–10, the IAF sent them ahead of a wave of real missile strikes. The dummies triggered Pakistan’s radar systems, prompting the activation of Chinese-made HQ-9 missile defences, which then gave away their locations.

Once the enemy’s air defence positions were revealed, the IAF launched long-range missiles targeting 11 of Pakistan’s 12 major air bases. These included advanced weapons like BrahMos, Scalp, Rampage, and Crystal Maze missiles. Around 15 BrahMos missiles were fired in what defence sources say is the first confirmed combat use of the BrahMos missile system.

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These precision strikes damaged runways, aircraft hangars, and communication hubs, damaging critical assets, including an airborne early warning aircraft and several long-endurance drones in the Sindh region.

Defence sources also revealed this was the first time the BrahMos missile system was used in an actual combat operation.

The intensity of the strikes reportedly shocked the Pakistani military, which then dropped any plans for retaliation. Instead, they quickly sought Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) talks with India to reach an agreement and halt further military actions.

Soon after, both India and Pakistan announced an immediate ceasefire across all domains—land, air, and sea.

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However, only hours after the Pakistan violated the ceasefire agreement, multiple drone sightings and explosions were reported in Jammu and Kashmir, prompting Indian security forces to take swift action to neutralise these new aerial threats.