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The mystery of Kirana Hills: Nuclear storage facility, military arsenal, underground tunnels, and whispers of radioactive leak. All you need to know

Shraddha Pandey
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The mystery of Kirana Hills: Nuclear storage facility, military arsenal, underground tunnels, and whispers of radioactive leak. All you need to know

Nuclear leak, radiation, Boron, and a bunch of conspiracy theories began to float on social media as reports emerged that India, in its retaliatory strikes against Pakistan under Operation Sindoor, has reportedly hit the Kirana Hills in Pakistan. The Kirana Hills, which are close to the Sargodha Air Base, are said to be a nuclear storage facility. While India did hit the Sargodha Air Base, however, the Air Marshal AK Bharti categorically denied these claims, although his advertant or inadvertent smirk fanned further speculations.

Denying hitting any nuclear storage facility in the Kirana Hills, the Air Force officer said, “Thank you for telling us that Pakistan has stored its nuclear weapons at Kirana Hills, whatever is there. We have not hit Kirana Hills, whatever is there. I did not brief in my briefing yesterday.”

In a press briefing, the Pakistani DG ISPR Sharif Ahmed Chaudhary, also said that there is no truth in the claims that India has hit Pakistan’s nuclear establishment in Pakistan, although while saying this, he had an uncomfortable smile on his face.

Amidst all this, social media claims emerged that an Egyptian Air Force plane carrying a huge amount of Boron landed in Pakistan to test nuclear leaks or contain them. Social media posts also showed flight radar images to claim that a US Energy Department plane also arrived in Pakistan. However, no official confirmation is there about the same.

Notably, as per a Dawn newspaper report, one of the Indian drones did fall in the area of Kirana Hills. So far, people have mostly heard of Kahuta and Chagai in the context of Pakistan’s nuclear mission, but Kirana Hills is rather a new name.

As Kirana Hills and the speculation that it houses one of Pakistan’s nuclear storage facilities started making the rounds on social media, it has piqued global interest, especially among Indians and neutral defence analysts. So, what is the secret of Kirana Hills? Why is it important?

Kirana Hills: Home to Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal?

Kirana Hills, also known as the Black Mountains due to brownish terrain, is a range in the Punjab state of Pakistan. It is located in the Sargodha district of Pakistan. This hill range is about 80 kilometres long. Several research projects were undertaken on Kirana Hills during the British rule.

It is about 170 kilometres away from the Indian border. There is a forest around Kirana Hills, and it is said that wild animals are found here. Pakistan had also excavated here to search for uranium.

Pakistan’s Defence Ministry took over Kirana Hills around 1970. Kirana Hills is a part of Mushaf Airbase. Mushaf Airbase is an important military base of the Pakistani Air Force, and its aircraft, including F-16 and JF-17, are stationed here. There is also a radar station here.

Source: India Today

Reports suggest that Kirana Hills were started to be used by Pakistan for its nuclear mission around 1978-79. Reports also suggest that Kirana Hills was used for experiments before carrying out a nuclear explosion.

As per a 2023 report by the  Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the Kirana Hills is a subcritical nuclear test site used by Pakistan to develop its nuclear programme from 1983 to 1990. The report said that the Kirana Hills house munitions storage areas, TEL (Transporter Erector Launcher) garages, and at least 10 underground storage facilities.

Pakistan had carried out several experiments inthe Kirana Hills before developing its nuclear bomb. It has also been stated in some reports that Pakistan had hidden many things for making nuclear weapons, which were removed under US pressure.

Several reports suggest that, along with the place to store weapons, garages have also been built to park missile launchers. It is through these launchers that missiles carrying nuclear weapons are launched. These launchers are mounted on trucks. They can also be transported to different places. Pakistan has missiles like Shaheen and Ghauri that carry nuclear weapons.

Kirana Hills are reported to house more than 10 underground tunnels, which are purportedly used for the storage of nuclear warheads. These tunnels were constructed by Special Works Development (SWD), a military unit created to handle the field engineering work of nuclear sites.

Terror-enablers Turkey and Azerbaijan face boycott heat for support to Pakistan

OpIndia Staff
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Terror-enablers Turkey and Azerbaijan face boycott heat for support to Pakistan

A wave of patriotic fervor is sweeping across Indian social media as citizens unite under the banners of #BoycottTurkey and #BoycottAzerbaijan after Turkish-made drones were used by Pakistan in retaliation to Operation Sindoor—India’s precision military operation targeting terror infrastructure across the Line of Control.

What began as a covert strike to dismantle cross-border terror hubs quickly escalated when Pakistan, reeling from the success of Operation Sindoor, launched a retaliatory drone offensive using Turkish-supplied Bayraktar TB2 drones. This aggressive response—targeting civil centers as well as key Indian military installations—enraged the Indian public, who now see Turkey and Azerbaijan not just as silent enablers, but as active collaborators in Pakistan’s anti-India machinery.

Turkey and Azerbaijan: No Longer neutral players

This isn’t diplomatic posturing anymore. This is warfare by proxy. When Pakistan chooses to retaliate using Turkish technology and Azerbaijan supports its armed misadventure against India, it becomes clear that Ankara and Baku are not sitting on the fence—they have chosen sides, and that is against India.

For years, Erdoğan has fancied himself as a global Caliph and the leader of the Muslim Ummah, sermonising about Kashmir from the podiums of the UN, while shamelessly jailing journalists and crushing Kurdish dissent at home. Now, that ideological hostility has crossed into the realm of military aggression—with Turkey supplying Pakistan with lethal aerial assets used against Indian targets.

Azerbaijan’s involvement, while less publicized, is equally dangerous. By aligning itself with Turkey and Pakistan, it has inserted itself into the India-Pakistan conflict with no moral or strategic justification.

Tourism Boycott: Hits where it hurts the most

The Indian response has been swift, sharp, and civilian-led. Within hours of news breaking that Turkish drones were involved in Pakistan’s retaliation to Operation Sindoor, Indian netizens flooded social media with boycott calls. Hashtags like #BoycottTurkey, #BoycottAzerbaijan, and #NoTravelToTurkey began trending across platforms.

Influencers, travel bloggers, politicians, and even former diplomats have urged Indians to cancel travel plans to Turkey and Azerbaijan. Once considered top choices for destination weddings and luxury vacations, cities like Istanbul, Antalya, Cappadocia, and Baku are now facing an unprecedented boycott from Indian travelers. Indian businessmen and companies have also partaken in the boycott campaign, with many prominent travel companies vowing to not tour packages and flights to Turkey and Azerbaijan. 

A letter, allegedly issued by Turkey’s Department of Tourism, has gone viral on X (formerly Twitter). In the letter, Ankara appears to acknowledge the growing boycott by Indian tourists, a direct fallout of Turkey’s unapologetic support for Pakistan amid escalating border tensions with India. But it has done little to assuage fury against Turkey.

This sentiment is fast translating into action. Travel agencies report a noticeable spike in cancellations, and platforms like IXIGO and EaseMyTrip have already announced they would not allow their services to be used to book flights and vacations to Turkey, Azerbaijan, and China. Indian influencers who once romanticised Turkish locales are now posting videos urging followers to travel to friendlier nations like Greece instead.

A stark example of anti-Turkey sentiments coursing through common man comes from Pune’s APMC fruit market, where traders have halted purchases of Turkish apples—typically part of a ₹1,000–1,200 crore seasonal trade. Merchants say this is more than economics; it’s a stand with the armed forces. Demand for Turkish apples has dropped nearly 50%, as consumers actively reject products from countries siding against India. Traders are now sourcing apples from Himachal, Uttarakhand, and Iran, reinforcing the movement as both a patriotic and economic stand.

Cultural & consumer backlash: No more soft power excuses

The backlash isn’t limited to travel. Turkish TV shows, coffee, textiles, and consumer goods are being boycotted. Indian streaming subscribers have begun uninstalling apps that promote Turkish content. Turkish Airlines, which capitalized on India’s outbound tourism, is facing social media heat with thousands calling for a mass boycott.

Even Indian businesses that previously imported Turkish ceramics, fashion goods, or dry fruits are being asked to “switch to domestic or allied alternatives.”

This consumer rebellion signals a broader shift: Indians are no longer passive observers of geopolitics. They’re active participants—willing to vote with their wallets.

New India’s warning: Funding armed jihad against India comes at a very dear cost

India’s message to Ankara and Baku is now crystal clear: If you arm our enemies, you are our adversaries. There is no middle ground.

Operation Sindoor was India’s sovereign response to terrorism. Pakistan’s decision to retaliate using Turkish drones and Azerbaijan’s over support to Islamabad has brought these two countries into the theater of conflict. And Indians are not taking it lightly.

This isn’t merely a boycott. It’s a strategic cultural blockade. India has the economic heft, astute leadership, demographic advantage, and digital firepower to isolate hostile regimes—not through bombs, but through bandwidth.

Stop tourism to terror enablers

Make no mistake. Turkey and Azerbaijan are fully aware Pakistan is a terror state and what support to Islamabad in the context with its proxy and military war with India. Therefore, no Indians should be strolling around the fancy gardens of Istanbul while Turkish drones continue to violate India’s international borders and Line of Control. No couple should be hiking mountains in Azerbaijan when that nation finds no qualms in backing a nation who harbours the fantasy of ‘bleeding India with a thousand cuts.’

They have made their choices known. It is time that, we Indians, ensure our hard earned money is not used in funding Pakistan’s Jihad against us.

From Barack-8 missiles to Harop loitering munitions and more: How India-Israel partnership gave India an edge during “Operation Sindoor”

Rukma Rathore
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From Barack-8 missiles to Harop loitering munitions and more: How India-Israel partnership gave India an edge during “Operation Sindoor”

The conflict between India and Pakistan escalated to an alarming level following a deadly terror attack in the Baisaran Valley of Pahalgam on 22nd April which left 26 Hindu tourists dead and injured several others. Drones, fighter jets and missiles were all employed during the battle that followed, which came to an abrupt halt with the declaration of a precarious ceasefire. However, the event marked the beginning of a new era in the historical rivalry.

The terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir was targeted in a fierce counterattack codenamed “Operation Sindoor” by the Indian Armed Forces. It prominently showcased weaponry manufactured in Israel, highlighting the strategic defense collaboration between the two countries.

India employed a combination of weaponry produced by Russia and Israel along with indigenous systems, to target Pakistan’s defense structures and neutralize missiles as well as drones launched on Air Force installations and civilian areas in the border states of Jammu and Kashmir, Rajasthan and others. Israel, along with the United States, Russia and France, is one of the biggest suppliers of weapons to India worldwide.

Harop drones

As part of the Operation Sindoor, Israeli-made Harop drones were deployed to conduct precise attacks on Pakistan’s air defense systems. Harop is a suicide drone, also known as a kamikaze drone. Harop drones, which are renowned for their ability to detect radar were utilized to strike several crucial targets throughout Pakistan and eliminated the air defense facility in Lahore.

Moreover, India confirmed that its counter-unmanned aerial systems and integrated air defense grid “came into action and took down several Pakistani armed drones, loitering munitions, and missiles that were targeting 15 military installations, including IAF (Indian Air Force) bases in Pathankot and Srinagar.” At least 25 Israeli-made Harop drones were purchased by the Indian Armed Forces between 2009 and 2019 and they have been in service since then.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) created the Harop, a loitering munition that combines elements of a drone and a missile. It can autonomously locate and destroy valuable targets, especially air defense units and radar systems. India’s expanding arsenal of unmanned precision-strike capabilities includes the Harop, according to the Military Balance report of International Institute for Strategic Studies.

The Harop, which is made for deep precision assaults, can stay over target areas for up to nine hours while locating, identifying and attacking from various directions using an electro-optic seeker. It has both autonomy and flexibility in difficult battlefield conditions because to its immunity to satellite jamming (GNSS) and real-time human oversight.

With a 50-pound warhead, the Harop can track and engage moving targets with its camera system and operator, or it could use its radiation seeker to independently detect and hit radar sites. If a radar station is discovered and then goes down, the Harop could take off to its location and utilize electro-optical targeting to find and destroy it. It can be set up for both tasks simultaneously.

It is also capable of reaching a wide range of different ground targets, both static and moving. The drones are capable of swift, focused attacks and can be sent across a variety of terrains as they take off from a truck or canister-based systems installed on mobile ground vehicles or naval vessels. It can fly for approximately 600 kilometers or six hours. Once in the air, it can be controlled by a man-in-the-loop or it can function on its own.

Heron Mk2 UAVs

Two Heron Mk2 drones were inducted by the Indian Army in November 2022 and by September 2023, two more had been placed in the Northeast. Four Heron Mk2 drones were introduced by the Indian Air Force in August 2023 and further two were purchased in November of the same year. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) developed the Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) known as the Heron Mk2.

According to tests conducted at high altitudes, these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can cruise at a remarkable 32,000 feet and have operational flexibility at altitudes of up to 35,000 feet. It performs exceptionally well in an array of tactical and strategic situations. The Heron Mk2 significantly enhances the IAF’s (Indian Air Force) surveillance, reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering capabilities, particularly in the northern sector’s high-altitude and rough terrain.

Its ability to fly for over 40 hours and conduct continuous surveillance over large areas makes it an indispensable tool for monitoring and gathering intelligence. The drone can operate for lengthy periods of time due to to its extended flight time, which gives the IAF an advantage in operations involving continuous monitoring and reduces the need for regular re-tasking or placement of other aerial assets.

With its 500 kilogram payload capacity, it can transport sophisticated sensors, cameras and other vital equipment. The drone is thus suitable for multiple tasks, including electronic warfare, target identification, real-time reconnaissance and tactical reconnaissance. The Heron MK2’s adaptability in challenging operational conditions is increased by its huge payload capacity, which guarantees that it can transport a range of complex payloads.

The large and challenging terrain of northern India, especially along the disputed boundaries with neighboring nations, presents a serious security problem. The Heron Mk2 drones, which operate from a forward base in such a vital location, are essential in giving the IAF up-to-date intelligence on enemy movements and actions. The IAF has a clear edge in intelligence collection, tracking and early warning because of its capacity to stay in the air for extended periods of time.

Additionally, its high operational ceiling puts them beyond of range of the majority of ground-based threats, including anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. This positions the Heron Mk2 as an optimal platform for high-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance operations where traditional aircraft may face limitations. The Heron Mk2’s observation capabilities probably aided in target acquisition and battle damage assessment throughout the operation.

SkyStriker loitering munitions

The SkyStriker drones, developed by and Israel’s Elbit Security Systems in partnership with Adani Group’s Alpha Design Technologies of India, were introduced into Indian service in 2021. Sources disclosed that during “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian Army used SkyStriker drones, according to reports. These drones, often referred to as loitering munitions, were manufactured in an industrial estate in western Bengaluru.

The SkyStriker attacks like a missile and flies like an unmanned aerial vehicle. It is a kind of precision weapon that, either manually operated or autonomously, hovers over a target area to find and hit targets before being fired. Its low acoustic signature makes low-altitude, covert flights possible. Each drone has a range of 100 kilometers and is fitted with a 5 or 10 kilogram bomb. Its warhead, which is located inside its fuselage, allows it to detect, track and engage operator-designated targets while being propelled by electricity.

The stealthy, undetectable and unexpected attacker can autonomously identify, track and take on a variety of targets within tactical situations, according to Elbit, offering unmatched accuracy and reliability on the contemporary battlefield. “SkyStriker’s electric propulsion offers a low acoustic signature, allowing covert operations at low altitude. As a silent, invisible, and surprise attacker, SkyStriker delivers the utmost in precision and reliability, providing a critical advantage in the modern battlefield,” based on its official website.

Even when GPS and connectivity are not available, these drones can attack targets accurately while maintaining human oversight. If no targets are available, the SkyStriker technology also enables the operator to command a safe return home, re-engage if needed and abort a strike as close as two seconds before impact. It is marketed as an affordable option for accurate long-range attacks. The drone helps ground forces be more operationally aware and survivable while supporting direct aerial fire missions. After the Balakot airstrike, the army placed an emergency order of purchase for roughly 100 SkyStrikers.

Barak 8

The Indian forces thwarted Pakistan’s effort to attack Delhi when the former fired a Fatah-II ballistic missile, which India’s Barak-8 missile defense system intercepted at Sirsa, Haryana. Israel and India collaborated to build Barak 8, also known as the long range surface to air missile (LRSAM). The operational range of the Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) is 70 kilometre with the potential to increase to 100 kilometre.

The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) collaborated to design and develop this version of Barak, which translates to “lightning” in Hebrew. MRSAM possesses mobile launchers that can be used on navy ships or on land. The 275 kg missile can carry a 60 kg warhead that detonates close to the target. The missile has a dual pulse rocket motor and thrust vector control (TVC), allowing it to reach speeds of up to Mach 2.

The cutting-edge weapon has a two-way data link, digital radar, interceptors with contemporary RF sensors and system-wide communication. “The missiles intercepted the aerial targets, scoring direct hits and destroying them, demonstrating the system’s operational capability,” IAI conveyed in a statement in 2021. According to the corporation, the trials cleared the path for the Indian Army to activate the missile defense system.

The Barak-8 can target a variety of airborne threats owing to its 360-degree coverage. It can engage with several targets at once, day or night and in any weather. The missile offers defense against fighter planes, helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, ballistic missiles, anti-ship missiles and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), also known as drones. MRSAM is the second version of the Barak-8 system, is a land-based missile system equipped with mobile launcher systems, a tracking radar, and a command and control system.

The seeker, endgame avionics and electronics, technologies that have been developed in India are built in Israel, while the propulsion rocket system, thrust vector system and a few other components are produced by DRDO labs. The Project 17(A) frigates and the Vikramaditya aircraft carrier are armed with the LRSAM, which has a range of 70 kilometers.

Spice-2000 bombs

Created in Israeli laboratories, Spice-2000 kits convert ordinary bombs into high-precision weapons that could precisely target terror camps while causing the least amount of damage to civilians. The warplanes drop them. Rafael USA, a weapons firm, makes the bombs. Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, an Israeli firm, owns the business.

These bombs use advanced guidance kits that combine INS/GPS (Inertial Navigation System/Global Positioning System) guidance with electro-optical seekers for precise final targeting. They can hit their targets much more accurately and effectively with this technology.

The Rafael website point out, “The highly sophisticated and combat-proven Spice Guidance Kits address the needs of today’s increasingly complex battlefields. They convert 1000 lb and 2000 lb class general purpose and penetration warheads into precision stand-off strike weapons that deliver simultaneous attacks with pinpoint accuracy in a GPS-denied environment.”

It further adds, “The system incorporate advanced navigation, guidance and homing technologies, as well as an E/O (Electro-Optical) seeker with unique scene-matching algorithms. Agnostic to GPS-denied environments, the system allows operation from the safety of stand-off ranges, enabling first strike capability while ensuring minimum collateral damage. Easily operated from single and dual-seater fighter aircraft, the pilot allocates a mission for each weapon before release.”

The Spice bomb guides itself to the target using information from the chip and pictures from the camera. Rafael states that a “unique scene-matching algorithm” is used by the bomb. It is a “fire and forget” bomb that operates entirely on its own. The pilot gives each weapon a mission before releasing it outside the danger zone. The system utilizes its navigation system to determine its midcourse trajectory.

When used with a 900-kilogram warhead bomb, the Spice 2000 could generate a lethal weapon that can even breach “hardened” targets, such as weapons storage facilities. Notably, on 26th February 2019, the Indian Air Force launched the Balakot airstrikes in response to the Pulwama terror attack on Indian security forces, using these bombs. They attacked the terrorist organization Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa area of Pakistan.

While the terrorists were sleeping, at least four of the five Spice-2000 bombs launched by Indian Air Force planes penetrated the building through the rooftops. The Indian Air Force aircraft returned to their bases immediately after dropping bombs on their targets during the strike.

Tavor X95 assault rifles

Early in the 2010s, India started integrating the Tavor X95 rifles into its special forces formations. Later, it purchased more of them for other paramilitary groups. Israel Weapons Industries (IWI) has granted Punj Lloyd Raksha Systems a license to manufacture Tavor X 95 rifles. The Indian Army’s Special Forces, the Indian Navy’s MARCOS (Marine Commando Force), the Indian Air Force’s Garud Commandos and the Border Security Force have already utilized Israel Weapons Industries (IWI).

These small, bullpup-shaped rifles are used for close-quarters combat because they are more dependable and maneuverable. These assault rifles were formerly imported by special forces and other users from the Israel Weapons Industry (IWI), a former Israeli government company that was privatized in 2005, prior to being produced under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” program. These weapons, which have the tag of “Made in India,” were on display at the most recent Aero India 2021.

Operation Sindoor

The Indian Armed Forces carried out “Operation Sindoor” to attack nine sites connected to the terrorist outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM) Hammer bombs and Scalp missiles were used throughout the 23-minute operation which commenced on 1:05 am on 7th May. Furthermore, SkyStriker drones were used to destroy particular targets.

According to reports, the operation killed around 100 terrorists, including family members of JeM chief Muhammad Masood Azhar Alvi and Abdul Rauf Azhar, a major mastermind of the 1999 Kandahar hijacking who was behind the beheading of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl. Top LeT commanders like Mudassar, also known as Mudassar or Abu Jundal was also neutralised. A humiliated Pakistan attempted to launch an attack on India subsequently, but their malicious efforts were thwarted by the defense forces.

Supreme Court dismisses PIL seeking SIT probe on violent protests in Murshidabad over Waqf Act

ANI
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Supreme Court dismisses PIL seeking SIT probe on violent protests in Murshidabad over Waqf Act

The Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) plea seeking a Special Investigation Team (SIT) on violent protests that took place in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, after the enactment of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant found no reason to entertain the plea and suggested the petitioner to approach the High Court.

“We see no reason to entertain this petition under Article 32 of the Constitution, as the petitioner has an alternative, efficacious remedy to approach the High Court under Article 226 of the Constitution”, the top-court bench stated in its order.

The plea was filed by one Satish Kumar Agarwal, who flagged the failure of state authorities in discharging their duties/responsibilities to protect the life and property of Murshidabad residents.

The counsel appearing for the petitioner, advocate Barun Kumar Sinha, began his submissions informing the court of the failure of state authorities to investigate the violence that led to the death of people from the Hindu community.

“Because the Police Administration of the State of West Bengal has miserably failed in discharging its duty/responsibility in protecting the life and property of Hindus. The ghastly incident of murder, arson and loot which took place from April 8, 2025, to April 12, 2025, in Murshidabad, West Bengal has caused an exodus,” the counsel said.

The Court, however strongly suggested the counsel to approach the Calcutta High Court, stating that the matter strictly pertains to West Bengal and there is no reason for the top court to entertain such a plea.

“Tell us who is preventing you from going to the High Court. It is the constitutional court having powers even better than the Supreme Court under Article 32 (of the Constitution). The case pertains to only one state..What message does it give to the High Court?” the Court stated.

The counsel further informed the Court about a report issued by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in this regard, alleging that various human rights violations had taken place.

“The NHRC report is very disturbing”, the counsel said.

After considering the submissions, the Court dismissed the plea, issuing directions for the petitioner to approach the High Court.

“If the Petitioner perceives any threat to his life and liberty, he may file the petition online. The hearing can also take place through Video Conferencing (VC). We direct the High Court (officials) to extend some specialities (to the petitioner),” the bench said.

The bench also remarked that such petitions are filed before the top court, only to create a scene.

“These are only to create a scene. This is all hype being created, we know all this”, Justice Surya Kant stated. 

(This news report is published from a syndicated feed. Except for the headline, the content has not been written or edited by OpIndia staff)

Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh on ‘indefinite leave’ after being caught with a young woman inside a hotel? Here is what we know so far

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan High Commissioner to Bangladesh on ‘indefinite leave’ after being caught with a young woman inside a hotel? Here is what we know so far

Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Syed Ahmed Maroof, has gone on an ‘indefinite leave’ to Islamabad amid reports of being caught red-handed with a young woman inside a hotel in Cox’s Bazar.

Maroof left Dhaka on Sunday (11th May) for Islamabad via Dubai. The news of his departure was conveyed to Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

In the meantime, Deputy High Commissioner Muhammad Asif will serve as the acting High Commissioner. Syed Ahmed Maroof came under the scanner during his visit to Cox’s Bazar town on Friday (9th May).

According to a report by BD Digest, the Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh was caught inside Hotel Sea Pearl in Cox’s Bazar with a young woman.

The woman was identified as Hafiza Haq Shah, who was working in the capacity of Assistant Director in the Foreign Exchange Department of the Bangladesh Bank. BD Digest reported that the inappropriate nature of her relationship with Maroof was exposed in the hotel.

OpIndia has found past images of the woman, posted from her Facebook account, with Maroof. But it appears as if she has deactivated/ deleted her Facebook account following the controversy.

BD Digest pointed out that the young woman would frequently visit the Pakistani embassy and the High Commissioner.

“It is known that several newspapers have evidence related to this matter, though they refrained from publishing it due to pressure from Yunus Sarkar’s press wing. This forced Pakistan to recall its important asset,” the news portal added.

The Pakistan embassy is yet to issue a formal statement on this matter.

In the meantime, social media is rife with allegations of Syed Ahmed Maroof being caught in a compromising position inside the hotel at Cox’s Bazar.

There have been claims of the Pakistani diplomat being honey-trapped and his MMS being leaked onto social media.

Some users have also suggested that Maroof has escaped to a third country like Thailand in the midst of the allegations.

OpIndia could not independently verify these claims. Syed Ahmed Maroof was appointed as Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Bangladesh in December 2023.

No frenzy, no panic buying or public fear: How Indians showed firm faith in our armed forces and Modi’s leadership throughout Operation Sindoor

Anurag
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No frenzy, no panic buying or public fear: How Indians showed firm faith in our armed forces and Modi’s leadership throughout Operation Sindoor

Last two weeks were the kind of times when nations are tested. The barbaric terrorist attack at Pahalgam on 22nd April 2025 shook the conscience of every Indian. However, what unfolded in response to it was not a country gripped by chaos, fear or “the spirit of moving on”. As India launched Operation Sindoor, a calibrated military response to Pahalgam terrorist attack, India did not lose its nerve even for a moment.

The streets stayed calm. The markets, even in the tense regions, stayed open. There was no mad rush to stockpile or hoard, none. Indians, in their own uncomplaining way, showed the world what faith in their armed forces and strong leadership looks like.

Indians stood united and calm in the face of provocation

In the past, we have seen how global markets and civilian population react when there is even a hint of military escalation. However, things were completely different in India in the days following Operation Sindoor. As the news spread of India’s decisive air and ground strikes deep into Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), there were no protests, no panic calls, and certainly no disorder.

An opposite picture was seen in the videos coming from Pakistan where many people, especially those affiliated with Imran Khan’s political party PTI, came out on to the streets protesting against their government and armed forces.

Contrary to it, the mood across India was steady. Everyone showed faith that the country was in safe hands. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Indians knew the armed forces would handle the situation with the precision and resolve they are known for, and the armed forces did not disappoint.

Swift security measures ensured stability

It would be naïve to think that Indian security agencies did not anticipate the risks that follow counter-terrorism strikes in Pakistan and PoJK. Several airports, including the ones in Punjab and Jammu were temporarily shut down. Some border districts were placed under controlled blackouts. These decisions were reactive and pro-active at the same time. The government had already announced mock drills and preparatory blackout practices in several districts a couple of days before initiating Operation Sindoor hinting something big was inevitable. Every agency worked under clear political direction and every step was taken as precaution without causing any panic.

The exemplary public response – no hoarding, no panic buying

One of the first things general public does at the time when there is a possibility of military escalation between two countries is to stockpile essentials. It creates a vicious circle of hoarding and panic buying resulting in unprecedented shortage of items that almost never go off the shelves. However, in the case of India, especially the border districts, it was different. Not to forget, Europeans were seen hoarding food when conflict started between Russia and Ukraine.

It was the time when one of the most inspiring chapter of this period was written by ordinary citizens. Chandigarh, for example, saw a tsunami of thousands of young volunteers quietly report for duty on a single call by the administration. They were all ready to assist the local authorities in preprations and helping them wherever and whenever required.

Even in border villages, instead of rushing to flee or creating an exodus situation, villagers cooperated with local security forces, followed instructions, and remained composed. There was no surge in petrol queues, no emptying of grocery shelves, no reports of black market rates for essentials. Not even the slightest hint of the ‘panic buying’ one expects when nations stare at the possibility of conflict. In short, no one, not even a single person, pressed the panic button. Let’s point out here as well that when Russia-Ukraine conflict started, massive exodus resulted in refugee influx across nations that were welcoming Ukrainians running away from the conflict.

The faith in armed forces and Modi’s leadership prevailed

One may ask why the situation was different in India? The answer is simple. It was the deep-rooted faith that if anyone dares to attack India, the Indian armed forces back by the strong leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will take care of it.

PM Modi has a past track record of decisiveness. His strong presence coupled with India’s evolving defence might gave Indians the rare luxury of not having to worry. Even where blackouts and closures were enforced, the public did not indulge in panic buying. They workers on their usual schedule and themselves followed the guidelines of early closure of businesses and blackouts. They stayed indoors, cooperated fully, and trusted that these were only protective measures that the government was taking for the safety of every citizen.

A small section of people might have expected mayhem. However, what happened was the exact opposite. This was a new India that is aware, prepared, but not provoked into self-destruction hysteria. So much so, that when ceasefire was announced, many of the Indians were disappointed rather than feeling relieved.

Conclusion

When history will be written, this phase will stand out as an example of the extraordinary bond between a nation and its armed forces. In times when the first casuality of conflict is often public order, Indians remained calm and displayed remarkable restraint. They sent out a loud and clear message, “we trust our forces and we trust our leader”.

Operation Sindoor was not just about military might. It was about showing the world how India remains disciplined, united and above all, trustful in the leadership. In the worst times, Indians showed the best of the character showcasing if, God forbids, full-fledged war happens with Pakistan, the citizens will play a crucial role in winning it.

DRDO’s Akash, Brahmos, C-UAS and more: How Operation Sindoor was a massive victory for Made In India weapons and tech

Shraddha Pandey
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DRDO’s Akash, Brahmos, C-UAS and more: How Operation Sindoor was a massive victory for Made In India weapons and tech

India’s Operation Sindoor demonstrated the country’s military might, tactical prowess, and technical brilliance before the world. With its integrated network of air defence systems, the Indian Armed Forces protected military bases and strategic assets, while Pakistani forces, being cowards of the top order, launched drones, missiles and rockets against Indian civilians and military assets, even as India’s precision strikes specifically targeted terror camps.

On the 8th of May, Pakistan targeted many Indian cities, including Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, and Jaisalmer. It fired drone swarms at these cities. Pakistan wanted to harm India’s military bases and residential areas and overwhelm the air defence systems, a tactic often used by Hamas against Israel. India gave a befitting reply to this, they foiled all these attacks. India used its advanced defence systems for this. While the S-400 system purchased from Russia foiled many attacks, most of them were answered by Indian systems.

Akashteer system: India’s indigenously developed ADCRS

The Indian Armed Forces gave a befitting response to the Pakistani attack and unleashed India’s very own “Iron Dome” Akashteer Air Defence System (ADS) along with S-400 Sudarshan Chakra ADS to foil Pakistani plans of targeting Indian civilians. The Akashteer system has been deployed on the western front to form an advanced shield over the International Border (IB) and LoC. This air defence system integrates inputs from radar sources like early-warning systems and ground-based radars to render a live web of real-time data to precisely track aerial threats. With the Akashteer system’s help, Indian forces intercepted and neutralised each and every missile launched by Pakistan towards India.

With its phased induction in the Indian Army beginning in 2024, the Akashteer system is an advanced Air Defence Control and Reporting System (ADCRS) developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) for the Indian Army. In forward combat zones, it is intended to oversee ground-based air defence weaponry and oversee low-level airspace monitoring. It serves as India’s air defence network’s digital nerve centre, gathering data from various radars and sensors, such as AWACS and AEW&C platforms, and combining it into a unified operational picture. This allows for automated, real-time engagement decisions.

Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (C-UAS) /D-4 Anti-Drone systems developed by DRDO responded to Pakistani drones

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the D4 Anti-Drone Systems is an indigenously developed drone detection and neutralisation system. The Indian forces used these to thwart Pakistani drone attacks during the conflict.

India’s C-UAS system, image via Economic Times

The Indian Air Force used a combination of anti-aircraft guns and surface-to-air missiles along with an integrated counter-UAS grid to take down Pakistani projectiles. The integrated counter-UAS grid was used to counter unmanned aircraft systems and neutralise drones and other incoming threats like missiles launched by Pakistan. This grid utilises multiple technologies, including radar and radio frequency sensors, to locate, identify, and track potential airspace threats. Once a threat is detected, the system can deploy various non-explosive countermeasures, like jamming radio signals and explosive countermeasures like firing an interceptor projectile. India used C-UAS against Pakistan in the last two attacks.

Akash Missile System

Developed by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), the Akash Missile System is a medium-range-surface-to-air missile system designed to intercept and destroy various aerial threats like fighter jets, drones, and cruise missiles, with a range of 25-30 km and the ability to engage the targets at the altitude of over 20 km. This system is equipped with indigenous Rajendra radar and mobile launchers. It can not only track but also neutralise multiple targets simultaneously. An effective demonstration of the same was seen in India’s counter against Pakistan’s recent drone and missile attacks against Indian cities, religious sites and military infrastructure. Akash Missile System is fully operational in the Indian Army and Air Force. It is highly mobile and can be deployed on wheeled or tracked vehicles for rapid response.

Image via ANI

Akash system’s development has a story of its own. Recently, the former DRDO scientist Dr Prahlada Ramarao, the man who led the Akash system’s development, said that initially, the Indian Army had reservations about the system. However, Ramarao, the man chosen by none other than India’s “Missile Man”, former President APJ Abdul Kalam, went ahead and designed the Akash system.

“Initially, the Indian Army showed no interest in Akash. But we designed it to intercept high-speed threats like drones, missiles, helicopters, and even supersonic F-16 fighter jets flown by Pakistani pilots,” Dr Ramarao said in a television interview and expressed his joy over the success of his lifetime’s hardwork saying that “This is the happiest day of my life… to see the missile I helped build strike enemy aerial targets with such precision and elegance.”

It is essential to note here that Akashteer and Akash Missile System are complementary yet distinct components of India’s air defence system. Akashteer is an integrated air defence command and control system which coordinates with various air defence assets including Akash MRSAM by providing real-time situational awareness, automated threat prioritisation and data fusion from radars and sensors. Akashteer enables more efficient and faster responses using systems like Akash with others including Barak-8 or S-400 to create a multi-layered air defence.

Working in tandem, Akash MRSAM delivers the firepower to eliminate threats physically and Akashteer acts as the brain optimising target allocation and reducing reaction times. Aligning with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, these indigenously developed systems enhance India’s air defence capabilities, making revolutionising networked warfare.

BrahMos: The invincible

India reportedly launched its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in a live battle for the first time as it carried out pinpoint strikes on Pakistani military installations, in the wee hours of 10th May. The Indian Air Force retaliated against attempts to violate the country’s airspace by targeting a number of key facilities deep into Pakistan, including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian. The airfields in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha were reported to have sustained more damage. Sialkot and Pasrur radar locations were also hit. Several accounts indicate that the BrahMos missile was probably one of the weapons used in tandem with Scalp and Hammer munitions.

Jointly developed by India and Russia, this long-range supersonic cruise missile, BrahMos, is an unmanned payload rocket that has a warhead, precision-guided weaponry, an aerodynamic frame, a propulsion system and a guidance system. It is renowned for its exceptional accuracy. BrahMos has a solid propellant booster engine and is a two-stage missile. Its initial phase accelerates the missile over the speed of sound, or supersonic speed, before it separates. BrahMos is a combination of the initial syllables of the names of two major rivers: the Brahmaputra in India and the Moskva in Russia.

MRSAM Missile System

India has also used the MRSAM system in this attack. This is also a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, but it is capable of hitting a longer distance than the AKASH system. This has also been developed by DRDO. It has been made in collaboration with Israel. MRSAM consists of supersonic missiles. It is capable of hitting targets at a range of about 70 kilometres. MRSAM is currently used by the Indian Air Force and Navy. MRSAM can be mounted on trucks and is also installed on ships. Reports suggest that it has also been deployed at Indian Air Force bases.

The MRSAM system covers an area of ​​​​about 2000 kilometres and immediately blows up any aerial threat coming in it. According to reports, MRSAM has also been used in this attack. MRSAM was inducted into the Air Force in 2021. Work is currently underway to further develop MRSAM.

Nagastra-1 loitering munition, SkyStriker loitering munition, and Pinaka Multi-Barrel rocket launcher: India’s diverse defence system used in Operation Sindoor

The Indian Armed Forces also used the Nagastra-1 man-portable loitering munition which is a suicide drone. Developed by Solar Industries with DRDO oversight, Nagastra-1 has a range of 15 to 20 km. It has an endurance of up to 60 minutes with a 1-2 kg warhead for precision strikes. Unlike traditional missiles, Nagastra-1 can be aborted mid-flight and recovered. In Operation Sindoor, this cost-effective loitering munition was used to target terrorist infrastructures deep inside Pakistan. Nagastra-1’s success demonstrates India’s surging expertise in low-cost, precision-guided munitions for asymmetric warfare.

Infographic via TNPSC CA

L-70 anti-aircraft gun

Apart from these missile systems, India also used L-70 anti-aircraft guns on a large scale to shoot down Pakistani drones. It was made by Sweden’s Bofors company and is manufactured in India by Larsen & Toubro. India has 1000 such anti-aircraft guns.

India has also strengthened them on many other technical fronts, including radar. The L-70 anti-aircraft gun is now capable of thwarting drone attacks on a large scale. It has a range of about 4 kilometres. It not only shoots down enemy drones by firing at them but also jams them.

India has deployed L-70 at many places in Jammu and Kashmir, north-eastern states and along the international border. Videos of L-70 shooting down several drones have also gone viral on social media. Many experts have said that most of the attacks on Jammu have been foiled by this anti-aircraft gun.

Apart from these Indian systems, India has used many similar air defence technologies against Pakistan, including Shilka, ZU-23 and S-400. Due to this, Pakistan has not been able to cause any damage to Indian cities. However, Lahore’s air defence has been destroyed in the attacks carried out by India.

Indigenous weapons: India’s necessity and pride

The immense success of Akash, BraMos, C-UAS and other indigenous systems gives a major boost to the Indian defence sector and bolsters confidence in the capabilities of native manufacturers to increase self-reliance in the defence arena. With indigenous defence systems outclassing Chinese and Turkish technology, as seen in Operation Sindoor, these systems would play a significant role in curbing India’s dependence on foreign suppliers. This self-reliance would not only save costs but also enhance strategic autonomy, which is at the core of India’s foreign policy under the Modi government. Indigenous systems are also vital as they are tailored to India’s unique security challenges like asymmetric threats and high-altitude warfare.

Interestingly, Operation Sindoor not only exposed how shallow and incompetent the Pakistani Armed Forces are but also exposed the effectiveness of Chinese air defence systems like HQ-9 as it failed to stop India’s precision strikes against Pakistan. With India proving the mettle of its indigenously developed weapons and defence systems, rendering Chinese and Turkish technology ineffective, global interest is shifting towards India’s defence sector. Combat-proven BrahMos and Akash systems are attracting global interest.

As per DRDO chairperson Samir V Kamat, BrahMos has intrigued many countries, including Indonesia. “Indonesia is interested…There are other countries also that have shown interest in Brahmos…Some countries in the Middle East and some other countries in Southeast Asia,” Kamat said.

The DRDO’s focus on developing next-generation systems like Akash-NG, BrahMos-II hypersonic missiles, among others, demonstrates that India is committed to remaining at the forefront of defence innovation. While this is not without challenges, India has sent a global message with its successful Operation Sindoor that the country is not going to tolerate Pakistani-sponsored Islamic terrorism anymore and would take decisive military action against terrorists, their funders, supporters and enablers. India’s defence system’s outperformance of Chinese and Turkish weapons has also positioned India as a key challenge to China’s dominance in the global arms market.

The effectiveness of the Akash system, Akashteer, D-4 C-UAS, BrahMos, and other indigenously developed defence systems exemplifies the success of the Make in India initiative. These systems essentially demonstrated reliability, precision, and combat effectiveness required to neutralise threats and strike terrorist targets with little to no collateral damage. The success of India’s very own defence technology in hammering the enemy and protecting Indians is a matter of national pride and establishes India as a credible player in the global arms market. With India continuing to innovate and scale production, the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision in the defence arena is transforming the country into a self-reliant military powerhouse.

Chinese air defence fails battle testing as Pakistan gets hammered by Indian drones and missiles all over: India maintains clear military and tech advantage during Operation Sindoor

Sandeep Singh
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Chinese air defence fails battle testing as Pakistan gets hammered by Indian drones and missiles all over: India maintains clear military and tech advantage during Operation Sindoor

Following the Pahalgam terror attack by Pakistan-backed terrorists, tensions between India and Pakistan rapidly escalated. In response, India launched ‘Operation Sindoor’ to target the terror infrastructure inside Pakistan. After being stunned by India’s attack, Pakistan tried to send hundreds of drones and missiles into India, but failed to make any impact when faced with India’s Air Defence Systems. Eventually, a ceasefire was agreed upon after India hit 11 Pakistani air bases, including their key base in Rawalpindi.

One of the most glaringly visible outcomes of the short conflict was, the gulf between the quality of weapons being used by the two countries. While India could thwart the drone attacks by Pakistani through a combination of its indigenous weapons and S-400 bought from Russia, Pakistan’s China manufactured systems proved to be a dud as Indian drones and missiles entered Pakistan at will and hit their targets.

Notably, Pakistan is almost completely reliant on China for arms and ammunitions, with over 80% of Pakistan’s defence procurement being from China over the last 5 years. For China as well, Pakistan is the key customer, with over 60% of China’s defence exports being to Pakistan.

Most of the major Chinese defence systems have not been battle tested. WHile they have taken part in several defence exercises, Chinese systems have never been tested in active combat. This was the first time when most of these systems were getting tested in a hot zone, and when faced with Indian technology and weapons, Chinese systems ended up being decisively second best.

The embarrassment for China started right on the day when India launched Operation Sindoor as HQ-9B, marketed as a Patriot equivalent, and the HQ-16, failed to intercept Indian SCALP stealth cruise missiles and HAMMER glide bombs. Notably, Pakistan’s airspace was supposedly guarded by the HQ-9 and LY-80 (HQ-16) air defence systems—Chinese-made platforms often paraded by Islamabad as state-of-the-art solutions against aerial threats. The HQ-9, modeled after Russia’s S-300, is marketed as capable of detecting and neutralizing threats mid-air. Yet, during Operation Sindoor, these systems neither saw the missiles coming nor reacted when they did.

Chinese air defence system Pakistan operation sindoor
Chinese air defence system failed to intercept Indian missiles fired into Pakistan (Image Source: Missile Defence Advocacy Alliance)

India’s use of advanced electronic warfare techniques—including decoys, signal suppression, and radar jamming—turned Pakistan’s air defence grid into a sitting duck. In the seconds it took for Indian missiles to obliterate high-value terrorist targets in Bahawalpur, Muridke, Muzaffarabad, and Kotli, Pakistan’s multi-billion-dollar missile shield stood frozen—useless, blind, and humiliated.

The difference in the quality of Air Defence Systems of the two countries during Operation Sindoor was as wide as the Grand Canyon. While India used indigenous Akashteer Air Defence system, MRSAM, UAS, L-70 Anti aircraft guns along with S-400, Pakistan was totally reliant on the Chinese systems which totally betrayed them in combat. Notably, Pakistan is totally reliant on China for all its defence needs, and China keeps supplying Pakistan untested and even outdated technology, and Pakistan keeps buying it as they have no other option.

Akashteer is an indigenous Air Defence System – Image Source: CivicsDaily

Pakistani Air Force is also heavily reliant on China with JF-17 and J10-C among their most advanced planes. Both the aircrafts were used during the conflict with India along with the American F-16s. However, even the Chinese fighter jets proved to be ineffective when it came to stopping Indian attack. India hit air bases all across Pakistan at will while their Air Force kept scrambling. Even when they tried to attack Indian territory, every attack was easily thwarted by Indian technology.

For drones, Pakistan trusted its other friend Turkey, not that the outcome was any different. Indian Air Defence Systems successfully brought down the hundreds of drones launched by Pakistan towards India.

India and Pakistan may have reached a ceasefire but the biggest loser in the conflict turned out to be China. It totally exposed Chinese defence technology and showed that the dragon isn’t all that it has been hyped up to be. Operation Sindoor has delivered a resounding blow to the credibility of Pakistan’s Chinese-supplied air defence systems and, by extension, to Beijing’s claims of military superiority.

China even tried to promote Pakistan’s fake news that it has shot down 5 Indian jets using Chinese fighter planes. Alas, that fake news fizzled out soon as nobody could find any such plane that has been shot down by Pakistan.

Chinese economic heft is undeniable, but from the evidence seen, looks like their military technology has a long way to go before it can be considered among the best in the world. However, unfortunately for Pakistan, with no domestic defence industry, they have to make do with this Chinese technology for now.

As BrahMos makes a successful combat debut, read how the Russia-India joint venture was developed over the years aided by the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and APJ Abdul Kalam

Rukma Rathore
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As BrahMos makes a successful combat debut, read how the Russia-India joint venture was developed over the years aided by the vision of Atal Bihari Vajpayee and APJ Abdul Kalam

India reportedly launched its BrahMos supersonic cruise missile in live battle for the first time as it carried out pinpoint strikes on Pakistani military installations, in the wee hours of 10th May. According to reports, the Indian Air Force retaliated against attempts to violate the country’s airspace by targeting a number of key facilities deep into Pakistan, including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur and Chunian air bases.

The airfields in Skardu, Bholari, Jacobabad and Sargodha reportedly sustained heavy damages. Sialkot and Pasrur radar locations were also hit. Several accounts indicate that the BrahMos missile was probably one of the weapons used in tandem with SCALP and Hammer munitions.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the BrahMos Integration and Testing Facility Centre in Lucknow. (Source: @myogiadityanath/X)

Furthermore, on 11th May, Yogi Adityanath, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, revealed that during “Operation Sindoor” a BrahMos missile was utilized in strikes against Pakistan, at the BrahMos Aerospace Integration and Testing Facility’s opening ceremony in Lucknow. The BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was probably deployed for the first time in combat after it underwent successful testing on 12th June 2001.

What is BrahMos

The long-range supersonic cruise missile BrahMos is an unmanned payload rocket that has a warhead, precision-guided weaponry, an aerodynamic frame, a propulsion system and a guidance system. It is renowned for its exceptional accuracy. BrahMos has a solid propellant booster engine and is a two-stage missile. Its initial phase accelerates the missile over the speed of sound, or supersonic speed, before it separates.

A rare picture of BrahMos missile in action just before it hits target. (Source: Swarajya)

The missile is then propelled to three times the speed of sound during its cruise phase by the second stage of the liquid ramjet. An air-breathing jet engine that employs liquid fuel that is injected into the fast-moving airstream and ignited to create thrust is called a liquid ramjet.

It follows the “Fire and Forget Principle” and takes a number of different routes to reach its destination. “Fire and forget” missiles are guided weapons that, once launched, don’t need any additional input or control. Its high impact kinetic energy increases its destructive capability. The first stage of the two-stage missile’s solid propellant booster accelerates it to supersonic speed before separating. During the cruise phase, the missile is propelled to speeds that are close to Mach 3 by the liquid ramjet engine in the second stage.

The missile is built for accuracy and durability, incorporating stealth technology and a sophisticated guidance system with embedded software. BrahMos continues to fly at supersonic speed up to 290 kilometers of range. It guarantees shorter flight times, more accurate targets and less opportunities for current defense systems to intercept it. It could land at as low as 10 meters and cruise at as much as 15 kilometers. Its tremendous impact force is supported by a substantial amount of kinetic energy. A conventional warhead weighing 200-300 kilograms is carried by the missile.

Cruise missiles, such as the BrahMos, are classified as “stand-off range weapons” because they are fired from a distance that enables the attacker to avoid the enemy’s defensive fire. The majority of the world’s major armies have these weapons. The BrahMos is the first known operational supersonic cruise missile.

History of BrahMos

India’s ambitious Integrated Guided Missile Development Program was started in 1983. During the program, led by former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, Indian rocket scientists and engineers created the ballistic missiles Prithvi and Agni, which currently contribute to the nation’s nuclear-missile defense. However, post-Cold War conflicts, particularly the Gulf War, highlighted the necessity of cruise missiles as an addition to the ballistic missile arsenal.

The Indian Navy was acutely aware of the requirement. Achieving military and technological dominance in the Indian Ocean was a vital objective for a fast developing naval force like India. At that time, India’s long-standing friendship with Russia took center stage in the development of the new missile system without shattering the delicate balance of the non-alignment policy.

An agreement to establish the BrahMos Private Limited joint venture was signed by the governments of India and Russia on 12th February 1998 under Inder Kumar Gujral government who served briefly as the prime minister. BrahMos is a combination of the initial syllables of the names of two major rivers, the Brahmaputra in India and Moskva in Russia.

An Intergovernmental Agreement was signed between Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyenia and India’s Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) which formed a cooperative venture to develop this missile system and established the BrahMos Private Limited (BAPL).

Image via Hindustan Times

Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, prominent Indian rocket scientist who was then in charge of the DRDO signed the deal on behalf of India. It was founded with $250 million in authorized capital, which is more than ₹2,135 crore in today’s currency. 50.5% of the authorized money for the development came from India, with the remaining 49.5% being provided by Russia in 1998.

On 9th July 1999, the first contract for the BrahMos project was signed, during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Russian and Indian governments gave the corporation $123.75 million and $126.25 million, respectively. The project started that year in multiple DRDO and NPOM specialist labs.

BrahMos conducted the first test launch from a fixed launcher at a shooting range on the Chandipur coast on 12th June 2001. The BrahMos missile made its debut at the MAKS (Moscow International Aviation and Space Salon) 2001 international airshow in Moscow in August 2001. The missile’s first test launch from a ship took place in the Bay of Bengal in 2003. It was followed in 2004 by the first test launch from a mobile ground launcher.

As India’s Defense Minister from 1998 to 2004, George Fernandes was also instrumental in the production and deployment of the BrahMos missile under the leadership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The Indian military ordered BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles between 2006 and 2009. The missile was successfully launched from INS Ranvir in a vertical configuration for the first time in 2008. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh oversaw the missile’s introduction into the Indian Navy in 2005, the Indian Army in 2007, as well as the air-launched version in 2012.

The many variants of BrahMos

The Ship-based variant: BrahMos, which can reach sea-based targets outside of radar’s horizon, were first deployed by the Indian Navy on its frontline warships in 2005. The first ship to use a BrahMos was the Indian Navy’s guided missile destroyer INS Rajput and additional vessels have since used it. The naval variant can be launched from both stationary and mobile naval platforms as well as can be fired vertically or inclinedly. It has repeatedly proved successful in both sea-to-land and sea-to-sea modes.

The BrahMos can be launched from ships in a salvo of up to eight or as a single missile, with an interval of two and a half seconds. A group of frigates equipped with contemporary missile defense systems can be attacked and destroyed by these salvos. BrahMos greatly improves the ability to engage naval surface targets at long range and is a “prime strike weapon” for such objectives.

The land-based system: The land-based BrahMos Complex features four to six transportable autonomous launchers. Three missiles that might be fired nearly simultaneously against three distinct targets in three different configurations are handled by each launcher. BrahMos systems have been installed in several locations along India’s land borders. The Indian Army operationalized the BrahMos ground attack version in 2007. An air-conditioned compartment with Nuclear, Biological and Chemical (NBC) protection is part of its ground systems.

Three distinct missile configurations have been deployed: Block I, which can hit targets accurately; Block II, which can descend supersonic and discriminate targets and Block III, which can engage targets in mountains.

The air-launched version: BrahMos has undergone multiple successful flight tests since its initial successful flight from IAF frontline fighter aircraft against a sea-based target in the Bay of Bengal in November 2017. The Sukhoi Su-30MKI, India’s front-line fighter jet, is equipped with the heaviest missile, the BrahMos Air Launched Cruise Missile (ALCM).

2019 witnessed BrahMos ALCM test its land assault and anti-ship capabilities from long, standoff ranges in all weather conditions and at any time of day or night. BrahMos-equipped Sukhoi-30s are regarded as an essential deterrent for the enemies along land boundaries and in the strategically significant Indian Ocean Region. They can fly 1,500 kilometers at a stretch without mid-air refueling.

The submarine-launched version: The first successful test of this variant was conducted in March 2013 from a submerged platform off the Visakhapatnam coast. It is possible to launch BrahMos from about 50 meters below the water’s surface. Launched vertically from a submarine’s pressure hull, the canister-stored missile has distinct settings for underwater and out-of-water operations.

The futuristic BrahMos-NG: The BrahMos-NG (Next Generation), a futuristic variant of the BrahMos, is mainly being developed for air and naval purposes. It will be lighter and smaller, have next-generation stealth features, prove more effective against Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM), be better suited for conflict in the water, and have the ability to launch from a torpedo tube. According to reports, each unit requires nearly ₹34 crore, while setting up a production unit costs approximately ₹300 crore.

Why is BrahMos significant

India operates its missiles according to the “Fire and Forget” approach since they are deployed against long-range targets and have the advantages of greater speed, precision and a low radar signature. BrahMos, which is among the world’s fastest cruise missiles, is designed to precisely hit both land and water targets.

BrahMos missile launched from Indian Navy ship. (Source: Forceindia.net)
  • Range: More than 450 kilometers (variants with an enhanced range of up to 800 and even 1,000 kilometers along with a top speed of 5 miles per hour have reportedly been tested).
  • Speed: Mach 2.8-3.0, supersonic, making interception extremely challenging.
  • Launch Platform: It can also be launched via air, land, sea or submarine and Sukhoi Su-30MKI is employed to launch the ALCM (Air-Launched Cruise Missile) variant.
  • Accuracy: With superior guiding and navigation, accuracy is almost exact.
  • Payload: A 200-300 kilogram high-explosive warhead which performs best against fortified targets.

BrahMos has three times the velocity, 2.5 to three times the flight range, three to four times the seeker range and nine times the kinetic energy of current state-of-the-art subsonic cruise missiles. Its original range was 290 kilometers, however the versions that are presently undergoing extended range testing could reach targets as far as 350 kilometers. More sophisticated versions are being developed including, the BrahMos Extended Range which can go up to 1,500 kilometers and the Hypersonic BrahMos-II equipped to cruise at Mach 8.

Hypersonic speed, or five times the speed of sound and even greater ranges than subsonic cruise missiles are in the cards. BrahMos Block I and BrahMos Air-Launched are the two main versions currently in use as of 2025.

Pakistan’s ISPR continues to lie, shares manipulated video of Indian press briefing to peddle false narrative

OpIndia Staff
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Pakistan’s ISPR continues to lie, shares manipulated video of Indian press briefing to peddle false narrative

Since India launched military action against Pakistan, codenamed Operation Sindoor, in response to the deadly Pahalgam terrorist attack of 22nd April 2025, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) of Pakistan has repeatedly stooped to new lows to peddle misinformation.

In a shameless display of propaganda-filled narrative, on 11th May 2025, the Director General of ISPR displayed a doctored version of a video originally released during the Indian Ministry of Defence press briefing by Wing Commander Vyomika Singh. The manipulation was designed to portray India as suffering major losses while projecting the Pakistan armed forces as the victor. Here is the original video which was doctored and used by DG ISPR Pakistan.

Deliberate tampering to suit Pakistani narrative

When the transcription of the original video and the doctored version was compared, it exposed how DG ISPR deliberately edited and twisted facts. One of the most blatant distortions was the removal of the word “limited” from the original sentence: “limited damage was sustained to equipment and personnel at Indian Air Force stations at Udhampur, Pathankot, Adampur and Bhuj”. The doctored version conveniently changed it to “damage was sustained…”, thus falsely implying larger-scale destruction.

Source: Indian Armed Forces.

Worse, the doctored version inserted entirely new claims not present in the original statement. It added a sentence stating “heavy damages to other military stations in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors continued”. In the original video, the part of the sentence “heavy damages to other military stations” referred to Pakistani air bases, and the phrase “military stations in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Rajouri and Akhnoor sectors continued” came long after the first part. DG ISPR trimmed and joined them to make it look as if Indian military stations had sustained heavy damage. Here is the doctored video.

Selective omission of facts to mislead

The Pakistani edit removed large portions of Wg Cdr Singh’s remarks where India firmly countered Pakistani aggression. Key facts that were omitted included statements about Pakistan’s irresponsible targeting of civilian infrastructure at Srinagar, Avantipur and Udhampur, and India’s swift and calibrated response.

In the original version, India made clear that “all hostile actions have been effectively countered and responded appropriately” and reaffirmed that “Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation provided it is reciprocated by the Pakistan military”. These lines were completely omitted from the Pakistani version in an attempt to project itself as dominant.

An orchestrated attempt to deceive the world

The strategic addition of false claims and omission of factual context showcase how ISPR was not merely reporting but actively and shamelessly crafting a lie. It tried to show the Indian Armed Forces as acknowledging defeat and high casualties, which is false and contradicted by India’s official release.

Pakistan has a history of making such unethical and desperate false claims. In 2022, a day after the second anniversary of the Balakot airstrikes, Pakistan released a video of Wing Commander Abhinandan who had fallen into the hands of the Pakistani Army while valiantly defending Indian territory. The one is heavily doctored with 16 cuts during its 2 minute duration. A similar video was released earlier as well.

However, this blatant manipulation of an official Indian defence statement in an international press briefing crossed all lines of professionalism and integrity, which is, in any case, foolish to expect from Pakistan.

India stands firm despite Pakistan’s misinformation campaign

India has not only repelled every provocation but also maintained restraint and professionalism. As Wg Cdr Singh rightly pointed out, the Indian Armed Forces have been at a high state of operational readiness, have responded effectively to all threats, and remain committed to preventing escalation.

It is essential to expose Pakistan’s habit of using doctored videos and fake narratives as a psychological warfare tool. The exposure of this manipulation proves again that Pakistan’s information campaigns are nothing more than poorly disguised attempts to deceive both domestic and international audiences.

If only Pakistan showed a similar level of effort in its military capabilities and development, as they show in video editing and misinformation peddling, they would not have to get thrashed so badly during combat and would not be so dependent on foreign aid to feed their people.

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