Operation Sindoor: What are SCALP and HAMMER missiles used by India's Rafale jets in strikes against Pakistan?
Operation Sindoor
The Indian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on nine terror locations targeting key infrastructure of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in Pakistan and PoK under Operation Sindoor on Wednesday.
The missiles that were launched
The operation marked India's first combat use of Rafale jets, its most advanced fighters. Armed with SCALP and HAMMER missiles along with Kamikaze drones, they delivered precise strikes. Here's how deadly the HAMMER proved in action.
SCALP cruise missile
For deep strikes, Rafales deployed the SCALP (Storm Shadow) missile—an air-launched cruise missile with a range of 450 km. It uses GPS, INS, and terrain-hugging navigation to penetrate enemy defences and accurately destroy hardened targets.
HAMMER explained
The IAF also used HAMMER (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range) missiles. Developed by Safran (France), HAMMER is a precision-guided air-to-ground weapon designed for tactical targets at medium range (up to 70 km).
Modular design
The HAMMER missile is compatible with 250kg, 500kg, and 1000kg bomb variants, offering flexibility for different mission requirements. It uses GPS and INS guidance systems, with optional infrared or laser targeting for enhanced precision. Designed to resist jamming and electronic countermeasures, the missile is highly effective against a range of targets including bunkers, mobile platforms, and fortified structures.
Strategic use in 'Sindoor'
HAMMER bombs struck medium-range targets including mobile terror assets and key control centres. Their high precision ensured destruction of objectives with minimal collateral damage, especially in urban-adjacent zones.
Tactical outcome
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's enhanced air-strike capability. The combination of Rafale, SCALP, HAMMER and Kamikaze drones enabled coordinated multi-target attacks, marking a major shift from the Balakot airstrikes (2019).