New Delhi: Operation Sindoor is once again in the spotlight after an Indian Air Force (IAF) sergeant and Gallantry Award recipient shared new details about how India may have used electronic warfare and “ghost targets” to confuse Chinese-made PL-15 air-to-air missiles. While the account offers a rare look into modern air combat, the Indian Air Force has not officially confirmed these specific claims. Official government statements have, however, confirmed that PL-15 missile debris was recovered during Operation Sindoor and highlighted the role of India’s electronic warfare systems.
Operation Sindoor: What Is the New Claim
According to Sergeant Bhale Singh, who reportedly served as the launcher in-charge of an S-400 air defence battery during Operation Sindoor, Indian electronic warfare systems created false radar signatures, also called “ghost targets.”
He said these fake targets tricked Chinese PL-15 missiles into chasing signals that did not belong to real aircraft. As a result, the missiles reportedly continued flying toward the false targets until they ran out of fuel and crashed harmlessly inside Indian territory.
It is important to note that these remarks were shared during a public interview and have not been independently verified by the IAF or the Ministry of Defence.
What Is the PL-15 Missile That Used By Pakistan
The PL-15 is one of China’s most advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missiles. It is designed to engage enemy aircraft from long distances using:
- Active radar seeker
- Two-way data link
- Internal navigation system
- Long-range propulsion
During the final stage of flight, the missile uses its onboard radar to lock onto its target.
Operation Sindoor: How Do ‘Ghost Targets’ Work
Electronic warfare systems can interfere with enemy radar and missile guidance. Instead of allowing a missile to detect a real aircraft, these systems may generate fake radar signals that appear to be genuine targets.
If successful, the missile follows the false signal instead of the actual aircraft. Eventually, the missile loses energy, runs out of fuel, and fails to hit its intended target.
This technique is widely considered one of the most advanced forms of electronic warfare used in modern air combat.
Operation Sindoor: What Has the Government Officially Confirmed
The Government of India has officially confirmed that Chinese-origin PL-15 missile fragments were recovered after Operation Sindoor.
Official reports also stated that India’s indigenous electronic warfare and layered air defence systems successfully neutralised several advanced aerial threats during the operation. However, the government has not officially stated that “ghost targets” specifically caused PL-15 missiles to miss their targets.
Why Electronic Warfare Matters in the Modern Wars
Modern air battles are no longer decided only by fighter aircraft and missiles. Electronic warfare has become a critical battlefield capability because it can:
- Jam enemy radar
- Disrupt missile guidance
- Create deceptive radar signatures
- Protect friendly aircraft without firing additional weapons
Many advanced militaries now consider electronic warfare as important as conventional air defence systems.
Operation Sindoor and India’s Air Defence
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s integrated air defence network. Official government briefings highlighted the combined use of:
- Electronic warfare systems
- Counter-drone technologies
- Indigenous air defence assets
- Multi-layered missile defence
The government also stated that India’s defence systems successfully countered several advanced threats, including Chinese-origin PL-15 missiles and other aerial weapons.
Verification Still Pending
Although Sergeant Bhale Singh’s account provides an interesting insight into possible electronic warfare tactics, the specific claim that ghost targets diverted PL-15 missiles remains unverified by official sources. Defence experts generally treat such battlefield details cautiously unless confirmed through official military reports or technical investigations.
