Operation Sindoor, executed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in response to the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, has significantly altered the air power dynamics in the region. The IAF, leveraging the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defense system, successfully downed five Pakistani fighter jets and a large aerial surveillance aircraft from a record distance of 300 kilometers, marking the largest-ever surface-to-air missile kill recorded by India. This operation involved precision strikes against terrorist infrastructures and multiple airbases in Pakistan, inflicting severe damage to critical assets including drones, missiles, radar installations, and communication centers. The S-400 system’s long-range capabilities have been pivotal in establishing a no-fly zone, deterring retaliatory attacks by the Pakistan Air Force, and enhancing India’s aerial dominance. The success of Operation Sindoor has accelerated India’s plans to procure the advanced S-500 Prometheus system, capable of intercepting hypersonic threats at ranges up to 600 kilometers, and has bolstered commitment toward the indigenous Project Kusha. Project Kusha, under development by India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation, aims to create a layered, multi-tier long-range air defense shield with interceptors reaching 350–400 km, integrating advanced radar, AI-driven systems, and hypersonic missile interception capabilities, slated for operational deployment by 2028–2030. This combination of advanced foreign systems and indigenous innovation underscores India’s strategic focus on self-reliance and robust long-range air defense to safeguard its airspace and reshape regional security. Overall, Operation Sindoor and follow-up advancements highlight a decisive shift to a more assertive and capable military posture in the face of evolving aerial threats from Pakistan and beyond.