New Delhi [India], May 19 (ANI): Air defence gun systems played a pivotal role in neutralizing drone swarm threats from Pakistan, with a senior Indian Army official calling their performance “extremely effective.” Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, Director General of the Army Air Defence, credited the Indian Army’s decision to retain and upgrade its gun-based air defence systems as a key strategic advantage during Operation Sindoor.
In an exclusive interview with ANI, Lt Gen D’Cunha identified the air defence gun system as the conflict’s standout weapon. “It is indisputable that the air defence gun system has been extremely effective. We in the army have to thank my predecessors. Unlike other countries, which moved away from guns towards missiles, the Indian Army held on to its guns,” he said.
He noted that the next-generation gun system, scheduled for trials in July, underscores the enduring importance of guns in modern air defence. “Whether it’s the L-70, the Zu-23, the Shilka, or even the light machine guns (LMG) and medium machine guns (MMG) used in the ACAC role by infantry, they will make a huge difference in drone destruction,” he added.
On the guns’ effectiveness, Lt Gen D’Cunha estimated they were responsible for downing about 60 percent of the drones. “In just four days, Pakistan deployed between 800 to 1,000 drones of various sizes along the western border. All unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) carrying payloads aimed at civilian targets were intercepted, preventing any civilian casualties,” he said.
“The proof is that there were no civilian casualties,” he emphasized, while cautioning about future threats. “If drone swarms are a new form of conflict, then protecting civilian population areas is as important as protecting the borders.”
Discussing the need to protect urban and civilian areas, Lt Gen D’Cunha stressed evolving India’s air defence to shield not only military and VVIP zones but also densely populated regions near borders. He cited examples like the US’s C-RAM system, which counters rockets, artillery, and mortars by firing 4,500 rounds per minute within population centers, and Israel’s Iron Dome, designed for civilian protection from aerial threats.
Asked if India now belongs to the elite group of nations with fully integrated and automated air defence command and control, Lt Gen D’Cunha offered a measured response. “There is still tremendous work in progress. While we succeeded in tackling the current challenge, we must not rest on our laurels.”
He called for a robust, multi-layered air defence system capable of rapidly detecting, identifying, and neutralizing enemy drones. “We need to expand detection systems, add more sophisticated sensors, and ensure rapid information flow across command networks to intercept threats as far forward as possible. This layered defence will minimize the number of drones that penetrate our airspace.”
While the Akash missile systems have been effective against larger aerial threats such as UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft, Lt Gen D’Cunha admitted they require further refinement to combat smaller drones effectively. “The Akash-Thir system hasn’t yet been fully configured for the drone warfare domain. Our drone management systems must evolve accordingly.”
He also revealed that Pakistan deployed kamikaze drones during the conflict, but these failed to inflict damage due to India’s preparedness. Pakistan initially used large numbers of inexpensive drones at low altitudes to saturate radar systems. However, the Indian Army had anticipated this threat and conducted a simulation exercise from April 26-28 to prepare for such attacks.
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s readiness for modern warfare, especially in countering drones and advanced technologies. It also demonstrated the strength of India’s integrated command structure, facilitating seamless coordination among military branches. The operation reflected India’s “Shishupala Doctrine,” which emphasizes patience until a threshold of provocation is crossed, followed by decisive action. (ANI)
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