‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Works Under Fire’: Modern War Institute's John Spencer Hails India’s Homegrown Arsenal

Operation Sindoor showcased India’s indigenous military strength, with homegrown systems delivering decisive results. John Spencer called it proof that "Atmanirbhar Bharat works under fire.

‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Works Under Fire’: Modern War Institute's John Spencer Hails India’s Homegrown Arsenal

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In a powerful demonstration of military and technological self-reliance, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, responding to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. The multidomain operation dismantled terror networks across the border and marked the operational debut of India’s indigenous defense capabilities, developed under the twin doctrines of “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

"Modern War Institute's John Spencer hailed India’s indigenous developed Air Defence System including the Akash SAM and Akashteer System as an unambiguous military victory."

India’s transformation began in 2014 with the launch of Make in India, incentivizing domestic defense production. A second wave followed in 2020, after the Galwan clash and the pandemic, with Atmanirbhar Bharat evolving into a national security doctrine. By 2025, indigenous content in defense procurement surged from 30% to 65%, targeting 90% by 2030.

Operation Sindoor validated this shift under fire. India deployed a suite of domestically developed systems:

BrahMos missiles struck hardened targets.

Akash SAM and Akashteer C2 system neutralized air threats with AI-driven coordination.

Rudram missiles silenced enemy radars.

Netra AEW&C, India’s airborne control aircraft, guided strikes and eliminated Pakistan’s Saab 2000 AEW&C.

Loitering munitions and the D4S counter-drone system showcased India’s edge in electronic warfare.

India’s fighters—Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000—executed precision strikes using Meteor and SCALP missiles, while M777 howitzers and T-72 tanks delivered ground firepower.

Pakistan, by contrast, fielded Chinese platforms like the JF-17, HQ-9, and CH-4 drones—most of which underperformed or were neutralized. F-16s remained sidelined due to U.S. restrictions.

"India fought as a sovereign power—wielding precision tools it designed, built, and deployed with unmatched battlefield control. Pakistan fought as a proxy force, dependent on Chinese hardware that was built for export, not for excellence."

Markets responded swiftly. Indian defense stocks soared, while Chinese defense firms saw steep losses.

"Operation Sindoor wasn’t just a military campaign. It was a technology demonstration, a market signal, and a strategic blueprint. India showed the world what self-reliance in modern warfare looks like—and proved that ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ works under fire."