India again ordered this weapon in large numbers to fool Pakistan, it showed its glory in Operation Sindoor.

Today the scenario of war is changing, small drones and smart technologies are replacing traditional weapons. Operation Sindoor launched by India in May 2025 is a prime example of this. It was a precision strike on Pakistani terrorist hideouts, an appropriate response to attacks on civilians. Without sending any Rafale or Sukhoi aircraft across the border, India defeated the enemy with the power of drones and electronic warfare. This operation not only set the example of “independent India” but also the direction for future wars. Let’s dig deeper into this operation and learn how weapons like the Banshee, Lakshya and X-Guard made history. Also know how many more such weapons are coming. CLRTS/DS: A Long Range Lethal Weapon The Allied Long Range Target Saturation/Destroy System, or CLRTS/DS, is a revolutionary drone system based on a constellation of drones. With a strike range of over 1,000 kilometers, it can engage and completely destroy targets. The Rs 5,500 crore project was approved for the Indian Air Force on 24 October 2025. Although it was still under development at the time of Operation Vermillion, it was not directly used. However, this operation highlighted the need for technologies such as CLRTS/DS to engage the enemy at a distance in future operations. The magic of drones in action Although CLRTS/DS-like systems were not used in Operation Sindoor, similar decoy and attack drones performed effectively. India used fake target drones to confuse Pakistani radars, allowing the real attack to succeed without any hindrance. It was the first major demonstration of drone-centric warfare, where no pilots were in danger and losses were minimal. These drones completely confused the enemy’s air defenses, as if a major air attack was taking place. Banshee: The Deception of a Fake Jet The Banshee drone, originally based on Canadian technology, was part of India’s purchase. It mimics jet aircraft so well that enemy radar signals mistake it for a real fighter plane. During Operation Sindoor, two Banshee drones were launched and landed in central Pakistan, leading the Pakistani military to believe they had shot down a Rafale aircraft. In fact, this was just for show. The Banshee’s 40 km range and low cost make it an inexpensive cosmetic weapon. This fully activated Pakistan’s air defense system, allowing India’s actual sneak attacks to succeed. Lakshya drone was developed by DRDO. The Lakshya-2 version starred in Operation Sindoor. It also mimics fighter jets and effectively confuses radar. During the operation, the target drone was launched, alerting Pakistani radar, air defense and command systems. Pakistan thought that a large-scale air strike was taking place, but it was only pilotless drones. Flying up to a height of 8 kilometers, this drone is not only useful for training but also for reconnaissance and spreading confusion. X-Guard: The invisible shield of invisibility X-Guard is an electronic warfare system for the Rafale fighter jets, powered by artificial intelligence. It sends false signals to distract enemy missiles and blind radar. During Operation Sindoor, Rafale deployed X-Guard while no aircraft crossed the border. Other drones: attack in full force Apart from Banshee, Lakshya and X-Guard, other drones were also deployed in this operation. Israeli Skystriker hovering ammunition drone carries out precision strikes on terrorist targets. Its 100 km range and 30 kg of explosives destroyed targets. DRDO’s training decoy, made on the lines of Banshee, has spread confusion in Pakistan’s stronghold. Together, these drones act as force multipliers, where even small forces can make a big impact. Benefits and learning Operation Sindoor proved that drones can defeat the enemy without any risk. Pakistan’s air defenses have become ineffective. India got an important victory at low cost. There was no danger to any of the pilots, which was a great advantage. This operation has learned that systems like CLRTS/DS capable of striking from thousands of kilometers are essential in the future. This gave a new dimension to the tactics of intimidation. Risks and Challenges Like every technology, there are risks. Drones can easily crash, as happened with the Banshee and Lakshya. Enemies can stab them. Explosives can harm the environment, and also create pollution and debris. However, India is now emphasizing indigenous weapons to reduce foreign dependence and address these challenges. Drone superpower India Operation Vermillion has given impetus to projects like CLRTS/DS. New deals worth ₹79,000 crore will further strengthen the Indian Army. This is the age of drone warfare, where small weapons can defeat large enemies. India is now poised to become a global drone superpower. This power will amaze the world in the years to come.