SILENT WINGS OVER VERMILION SKIES: Contextualising SEAD and Loitering Munitions in the 2025 India-Pakistan Conflict

The issue brief provides an in-depth analysis of the 2025 India-Pakistan conflict, focusing on the strategic use of loitering munitions and Suppression of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD) in modern warfare. It examines the implications of the possible use of these technologies within the context of Operation Sindoor, which India launched in response to the Pahalagam terrorist attack, and the subsequent military exchanges between the two nations.

The Brief also explores the use of loitering munitions, such as HARPY and Nagastra-1, during Operation Sindoor, emphasising their precision strike capabilities and reduced risk to personnel. These systems offer significant tactical advantages, including the ability to conduct prolonged missions, target selection, and minimal collateral damage, making them highly effective in asymmetrical warfare. Despite their advantages, loitering munitions face scrutiny regarding accountability, potential for civilian casualties, and the risk of escalating military responses due to their perceived lower risk.

The conflict signifies a shift towards the use of unmanned, AI-enabled platforms in warfare, as both India and Pakistan adapt their military strategies to incorporate advanced technologies.