Operation Sindoor: Navy ready to intervene, force Pakistan into ceasefire, says Vice Admiral Swaminathan

Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Commander-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, said during the decisive hours of Operation Sindoor in May, when the Army and the Indian Air Force (IAF) were engaged in a war with Pakistan, the Navy was fully operational and ready to strike if needed.

During a press conference he said that the Navy had deployed 30 ships and submarines during Operation Sindoor. He said, “Our frontline ships were ready for war off the Makran coast under the umbrella of Vikrant Carrier Battle Group.”

He said the weapons firing by the Navy in April forced the Pakistan Navy to remain close to its own coastline. He said, “The threat of aggressive action by the Indian Navy can be considered as one of the most important factors for Pakistan to request a ceasefire.”

Elaborating on the naval situation, preparedness and deployment during the operation, he said, “The Indian Navy would have swung into action if needed. The Navy was ready to attack, and Pakistan was aware of our capabilities. Had the Indian Navy attacked, tensions would have escalated to an even larger scale. Seeing the Navy ready to intervene, Pakistan asked for a ceasefire.”

Commenting on Pakistan’s recent P-282 SMASH missile test, Vice Admiral Swaminathan said the Navy is closely monitoring the developments. He said, “We closely monitored the P-282 missile test and kept an eye on the entire test. Pakistan claims it is an indigenous missile, but our intelligence suggests otherwise. Many such tests will be conducted before its induction. If the missile is inducted, we will keep it in mind while making our plans. We have a plan to deal with such missiles.”

Vice Admiral Swaminathan also talked about Turkey testing the world’s first unmanned air-to-air jet. “Turkey’s test of unmanned air-to-air aircraft was demonstrated well. It is good and advanced technology. However, an aircraft is an aircraft, and whether it is manned or unmanned, it does not matter for what purpose it is made. We are keeping an eye on how it will be used,” he said.

Highlighting the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in modern warfare, he said, “We have noted how UAVs have become a key component of modern warfare. Our UAV force is 25-30 years old and is used primarily for surveillance and other purposes. The Indian Navy is purchasing Heron Mk II, which is an important step towards strengthening our UAV force. We are making significant progress in inducting UAVs. Are.”