Operation Sindhoor: India unleashes SCALP power on terror camps

In a powerful counterstrike to the Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian military launched Operation Sindhoor, targeting nine terrorist hideouts across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Over 80-90 terrorists were reportedly killed in this joint operation by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force.

Key terror hubs in Muridke, Muzaffarabad, Bahawalpur, Kotli, Chak Amru, Gulpur, and Bhimber were struck with precision. One of the significant highlights of the operation was the use of Rafale fighter jets equipped with the advanced SCALP cruise missile, which played a central role in the offensive. Notably, a strike was carried out on a hideout linked to Hafiz Saeed, a key figure behind several terror attacks. In a major blow to Pakistan’s air power, one of the Chinese-supplied JF-17 fighter jets was also reportedly shot down.

What is the SCALP missile ?
SCALP (Strike Air-Launched Cruise Missile) is a long-range, air-launched cruise missile developed by France and the UK. Known as Storm Shadow in Britain and SCALP-EG in France, this missile can strike targets like bunkers and air bases from a safe distance. Though software and interface may vary slightly, both variants are technically the same.

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Key Features :
Range: Typically exceeds 250 km, with some sources indicating up to 500 km depending on variant and launch parameters.
Warhead: Equipped with a 450 kg BROACH tandem warhead, capable of penetrating hardened targets before detonating.
Guidance: Uses inertial navigation, GPS, terrain-following radar, and an infrared terminal seeker for high accuracy and low observability.
Stealth: Designed with a low radar cross-section and advanced navigation to evade air defenses.
Deployment: Compatible with various aircraft, including the Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mirage 2000, and others.