New Delhi, May 6: Operation Sindoor has revealed numerous tales of bravery from the Indian Navy, gradually coming to light. Although there were no direct strikes against Pakistan during this operation, the Indian Navy effectively enforced a blockade, restricting the Pakistani Navy to its own waters. The frontline submarine fleet of the Indian Navy maintained continuous pressure on Pakistan.
Since April 22, the Indian Navy began increasing its deployment. The aircraft carrier battle group INS Vikrant was sent for forward deployment, accompanied by submarines. According to the Navy, Indian submarines entered Pakistani waters, creating psychological pressure.
Four submarine commanders were awarded the Navy Medal (Gallantry) for their valor, courage, and decisive actions during Operation Sindoor. These commanding officers led their teams in constant surveillance of the enemy and successfully executed high-risk deployments, remaining ready for strikes at any moment.
Indian submarines operated in Pakistani waters for an extended period. Notably, despite Pakistan’s long-range maritime patrol aircraft and anti-submarine warfare surveillance, not a single Indian submarine was detected. This success was attributed to the strategic efficiency of the submarine commanders, who ensured strong resistance against the enemy throughout the patrol.
The Navy positioned its submarines in such a way that if Operation Sindoor had been activated, every asset of the Pakistani Navy would have been targeted. The threat of torpedo and depth charge attacks loomed during operations in enemy territory, yet Indian submarines remained steadfast in their missions.
Following the Pulwama attack, India began applying pressure on Pakistan from all directions. After the Uri attack, the army conducted surgical strikes, and following the Pulwama incident, the Indian Air Force executed airstrikes in Balakot. Pakistan feared that the next response could come from the Navy, prompting the Indian Navy to forward deploy its carrier battle group accordingly.
This deployment forced the Pakistani Navy to remain confined to its harbor. According to defense officials, Pakistan’s maritime patrol aircraft, the Sea Eagle ATR-72, flew to gather information on Indian deployments in the Arabian Sea but could not evade Indian Navy radar. Once detected, a MiG-29K was launched from INS Vikrant for combat air patrol, intercepting the aircraft and forcing it to return to Karachi.
The carrier battle group of INS Vikrant included 8 to 10 warships. Additionally, 7 destroyers, 7 stealth guided missile frigates, and nearly half a dozen submarines were stationed on the western coast. Numerous fast attack crafts and missile boats were also present, totaling over 36 warships deployed in the northern Arabian Sea.
All warships, fighter aircraft, and helicopters in the carrier battle group were interconnected and prepared to face any threat. Typically, this battle group can secure an area of 200 to 250 nautical miles, which can expand during wartime.
INS Vikrant can conduct anti-submarine warfare, anti-ship operations, air defense, surveillance, and search and rescue operations. Furthermore, under the monitoring of long-range surveillance aircraft like the P-8I, no enemy activity can remain hidden.
Currently, MiG-29K fighter jets are stationed on INS Vikrant, with plans to include 26 Rafale-M aircraft from France in the future. The helicopter fleet comprises MH-60 Romeo, Chetak, and Sea King helicopters acquired from the United States.
For self-defense, INS Vikrant is equipped with close-in weapon systems. It features two vertical launching systems with 32 tubes capable of firing 64 Barak-8 medium-range surface-to-air missiles from Israel. Additionally, it is armed with four Autobrada 76 mm guns and four close-in weapon systems, capable of destroying enemy missiles before they reach their targets.
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