India Can Strike Deep Into Pakistan, Says Top Army Air Defence Chief

India’s military strength is sufficient to strike not only along the border but also deep into Pakistani territory, a senior Army officer stated, underlining the armed forces' readiness and reach.

Lieutenant General Sumer Ivan D’Cunha, who heads the Army’s Air Defence as its Director General, in an interview released Monday by ANI, said India’s weapons systems are capable of neutralizing targets across the entire span of Pakistan, regardless of changes to the Pakistan Army’s command locations.

“Relocating Pakistan Army’s GHQ, whether to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa or elsewhere, does not offer much tactical advantage,” D’Cunha said. “Every location remains well within our operational range.”

The Army, during a recent demonstration in Amritsar, showcased fragments of intercepted drones and missiles launched from Pakistan. These attacks, aimed at sensitive locations including the Golden Temple, were countered using systems like the modernized L-70 Air Defence Guns and the AKASH missile platform.

The Army underlined its upgraded technological capacity to monitor and eliminate incoming aerial threats in real time. This demonstration was intended to highlight the effectiveness of the air defence network in Punjab, a region that has experienced frequent cross-border drone intrusions.

Referring to drone threats near the Golden Temple, D’Cunha said temple authorities provided full cooperation when the threat level was communicated to them. “They supported us by switching off the temple’s lighting. That helped us detect and engage aerial targets clearly,” he said.

The clarity enabled precise identification and targeting of drones attempting to enter Indian airspace near the holy site, according to Army officials.

Commenting on criticisms surrounding Operation Sindoor, the top officer defended the conduct and outcomes of the strikes carried out on May 7–8, which targeted multiple terror camps across the border. “Surprise remains a core component of military success,” D’Cunha noted. “Neutralising over 100 militants within their bases confirms the effectiveness of the operation.”

His remarks came amidst ongoing political debate sparked by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s questions over the operation’s secrecy and alleged intelligence leaks.

On Monday, Gandhi renewed his criticism, accusing the government of silence and questioning whether operational details were compromised. “The nation deserves transparency,” he wrote on social media, referencing concerns over possible foreknowledge by Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs earlier dismissed his claims, labeling them misleading.