DRDO Chairman Samir V Kamat, addressing the 14th convocation ceremony of the Defence Institute of Advanced Technology in Pune on August 9, 2025, highlighted the crucial role of indigenous technologies in Operation Sindoor. Launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, the operation involved precision strikes deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Kamat emphasized that BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles launched from Sukhoi Mk 1 platforms and the Akashteer automated air defence system were pivotal in the offensive, along with systems like the D4 anti-drone and AWNC airborne early warning. He described the operation as a declaration of India’s self-reliance and strategic foresight, showcasing the strength of homegrown defence technology. Kamat also expressed optimism about India’s defence exports, which reached ₹23,622 crore in 2024-25, projecting they could double to ₹50,000 crore by 2029 due to growing global interest in indigenous systems. He underscored the importance of maintaining sovereign capabilities across multiple domains, positioning India as a rising force in global defence markets.