Electronic Warfare Proved Decisive in Operation Sindoor, Says CIDS Chief

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit, Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CIDS), declared electronic warfare the decisive “sword” rather than mere “shield” in modern conflicts, citing India’s success in Operation Sindoor as compelling proof. Speaking at the seventh International Conference on Electronic Warfare (EWCI 2026) at the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru on Tuesday, Dixit explained how Indian forces disrupted enemy air defence systems through dominance in the electromagnetic spectrum.

“We blinded the enemy’s air defence systems via the electromagnetic spectrum. The lesson is clear — we prevailed not because we had better missiles, but because we had a better nervous system,” Dixit stated. Operation Sindoor, referenced earlier in political discourse as a rapid de-escalation episode between India and Pakistan in May 2025, showcased the game-changing impact of advanced electronic warfare capabilities in neutralising threats without kinetic escalation.

Union Minister of State for Defence Sanjay Seth, addressing the conference virtually as chief guest, underscored electronic warfare’s indispensable role on today’s battlefields. He praised the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for its consistent efforts in building indigenous EW strengths, noting that rapidly evolving electronic-domain threats demand continuous innovation and self-reliance.

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The three-day event has drawn participants from the United States, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and representatives of 48 electronic warfare organisations worldwide. Discussions focus on emerging technologies, spectrum management, and collaborative strategies to counter sophisticated electronic threats.

Dixit called for India to become a comprehensive manufacturing hub for electronic warfare systems, highlighting persistent vulnerabilities in global supply chains for semiconductors and critical components. While affirming the security of current Indian systems, he urged closer collaboration among DRDO, MSMEs, academia, and industry. He also advocated incorporating electronic warfare into university curricula to build long-term talent and expertise.

The conference underscores India’s growing emphasis on indigenous EW capabilities amid rising geopolitical tensions and the need for technological sovereignty in defence.

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