From Hammer to BrahMos: Inside India’s Arsenal of Precision-Guided Long-Range Weapons

In a bold and precise show of military strength, India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, striking 21 terrorist camps across nine locations deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This decisive action came in response to the Pahalgam terror attack last month, where innocent Indian civilians lost their lives to Pakistan-backed terrorists. The operation showcased not just India’s will to retaliate, but also the growing sophistication and capability of its armed forces.

The Indian military has deliberately not disclosed the specific weapons used in this operation. However, it was confirmed that precision strikes were conducted using niche-technology weapons with carefully selected warheads, specifically chosen to avoid collateral damage. This underlines India’s commitment to responsible military action even in the face of provocation.

Wing Commander Vyomika Singh, a helicopter pilot with the Indian Air Force, addressed the media during the official briefing and emphasized the advanced nature of the weaponry used. Over the last several years, the Indian armed forces have rapidly built up an impressive inventory of modern, long-range precision weapons and drones, including loitering munitions, capable of striking with pinpoint accuracy.

HAMMER

Among these high-tech weapons is the HAMMER (Highly Agile and Manoeuvrable Munition Extended Range), a precision air-to-ground system primarily used with the Rafale fighter jets. With a range of up to 70 km, HAMMER is manufactured by France’s Safran Group and is highly effective in medium-range tactical operations. It can be fitted onto bombs and other guided platforms, and is autonomous, jam-resistant, and effective even at low altitudes over rough terrain. India has steadily procured these systems in recent years to enhance its tactical precision-strike capabilities.

SCALP

Another vital weapon in India’s arsenal is the SCALP-EG (known as Storm Shadow in the UK), an air-launched cruise missile with stealth features and a range of 450 km. Built by European manufacturer MBDA, SCALP is designed for deep, long-range strikes, even in adverse weather and nighttime conditions. Its advanced navigation system, which integrates Inertial Navigation, GPS, and terrain-following technology, allows it to precisely destroy bunkers, hardened shelters, and ammunition depots.

METEOR

To establish aerial dominance, India also possesses the formidable Meteor missile system, a Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) designed to operate even in dense electronic warfare environments. The Meteor’s ramjet propulsion gives it sustained speed and energy, creating the largest “No Escape Zone” of any air-to-air missile globally. This capability makes it a significant asset in maintaining air superiority.

BRAHMOS

India’s homegrown pride, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, has also become central to India’s strategic firepower. Built by BrahMos Aerospace, a joint venture between DRDO and Russia’s NPO Mashinostroyeniya, the missile travels at nearly Mach 3, making it one of the fastest cruise missiles in the world. It can strike from land, air, or sea, carries a 200–300 kg warhead, and operates on a “Fire and Forget” principle. Some variants now have double the earlier range, enabling deep strikes across enemy territory with greater speed and reduced detection.

LOITERING MUNITIONS

India is also steadily expanding its use of loitering munitions, a type of unmanned aerial system that combines surveillance and precision strike capabilities. These drones can identify and hover over targets before initiating an attack, providing unmatched flexibility on the battlefield. In recent years, the Indian armed forces have been inducting a wide range of these systems, further modernizing the country’s defence infrastructure.