Retired Air Marshal Jeetendra Mishra, who has recently been appointed CEO of the Ram temple trust, spoke at a New Delhi programme hosted by AajTak about the technological and operational foundations of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Air Force’s campaign that struck targets 250 to 300 kilometres away.
Mishra described the operation as the culmination of years of preparation and strategic foresight, highlighting the precision of strikes that could be delivered within two metres. He noted that the success of the campaign relied on a fully indigenous Integrated Air Command and Control System that had taken fifteen years to develop and now links military and civilian radar sites across the country.
Speaking on the future of warfare, Mishra warned that advanced technology, artificial intelligence and interconnected systems are already shaping battles today. He compared the instant connection of an ATM card to a petrol station with the hidden networks that will drive future conflicts, stressing that a nation that cannot keep pace with AI-driven change risks being overtaken.
The retired officer also emphasized India’s shift from foreign-sourced radars to a self-reliant network, arguing that dependence on external vendors limits operational sovereignty. He cited the S‑400’s 314‑kilometre engagement and the BrahMos cruise missile’s 200‑kilometre reach as examples of India’s long‑range capabilities.
Mishra concluded that the IAF’s ability to strike from distance, recall aircraft, and employ drones for high‑risk missions underscores the importance of indigenisation and control over critical technologies for sustained national security.
