3,000 Agniveers Pass Crucial Test in Operation Sindoor

Young Soldiers Play Key Role in India’s Air Defense During Pakistan Conflict

At least 3,000 Agniveers, young recruits recently enlisted under the Agnipath program, demonstrated their capabilities during Operation Sindoor, a critical military operation against Pakistan. These soldiers, aged between 17.5 and 21, were deployed in critical air defense roles and helped maintain India’s air defense shield during the four-day confrontation with Pakistan.

During the May 7-10 clash, the Agniveers operated key systems including the locally developed Akashteer air defense control and reporting system. This system proved vital in detecting and neutralizing multiple waves of Pakistani missile and drone attacks on Indian military installations and cities.

Agniveers’ Performance in Critical Roles

• Agniveers were deployed in air defense units along the western front, specializing in gunner roles, fire control, radio operations, and vehicle maintenance for missile systems.
• They successfully operated a range of weapons including the L-70 and Zu-23-2B guns, as well as the Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, and Tunguska systems.
• The Agniveers also managed radar systems, communication networks, and vehicle-mounted missile launchers, including the Akash system.
• They played a crucial role in the Akashteer system, which integrates sensors and weapons to detect, track, and engage incoming threats.

The Agniveers’ performance was praised by military officials, who noted that their contributions were on par with regular soldiers. This experience has helped address concerns about the Agnipath scheme, which recruits personnel for four years with a potential extension to 15 years of service.

Operation Sindoor and Its Significance

Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The operation involved coordinated strikes by the Indian Air Force and Army, targeting terror camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and other regions. The four-day conflict ended with a ceasefire, marking a significant military achievement for India.

The operation also tested the effectiveness of India’s air defense systems, including the Akashteer system, which was integrated with the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS). This system played a crucial role in detecting and neutralizing Pakistani aerial threats.

During the conflict, India’s air defense grid operated with multiple layers of defense, including the S-400 system, and successfully countered a range of threats including Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles, Turkish drones, and other long-range weapons.

Agniveer Scheme and Its Implications

The Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, aims to modernize the Indian military by recruiting younger personnel for shorter terms. Agniveers receive an annual salary of ₹4.76 lakh in their first year, rising to ₹6.92 lakh by their fourth year. They also receive a comprehensive insurance cover of ₹48 lakh and a death ex-gratia of ₹44 lakh.

However, Agniveers who complete their four-year term receive a severance package of ₹11.71 lakh, which is significantly less than the benefits available to those who serve under the traditional system. This has sparked political debates about the scheme’s long-term viability.

Despite these concerns, the performance of Agniveers during Operation Sindoor has provided strong evidence of the scheme’s effectiveness. Their contributions during the conflict have helped reinforce India’s air defense capabilities and demonstrated the potential of the Agnipath program.

Future of the Agnipath Scheme

The Agnipath scheme has been adopted by several defense public sector undertakings and has led to reservations for Agniveers in police forces across multiple states. Companies like Brahmos Aerospace have also reserved positions for Agniveers in technical and administrative roles.

While the scheme has faced opposition from some political groups, the performance of Agniveers during Operation Sindoor has provided a strong case for its continued implementation. The experience has also highlighted the importance of modernizing India’s military recruitment and training systems.