In response to escalating tensions following the April 22, 2025, Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Navy deployed its indigenous aircraft carrier, INS Vikrant, to the Arabian Sea as part of “Operation Sindoor.” Equipped with MiG-29K fighter jets capable of striking targets over 800 km away, INS Vikrant’s presence served as a significant deterrent, compelling the Pakistan Navy to remain at a considerable distance from Indian waters.
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy’s aircraft carrier INS Vikrant played a pivotal role in neutralizing Pakistani aerial threats and asserting naval dominance in the Arabian Sea.
Strategic Deployment of INS Vikrant
INS Vikrant, India’s flagship aircraft carrier, was deployed alongside a Carrier Battle Group (CBG) in the northern Arabian Sea. This strategic positioning effectively sealed off Pakistan’s southern air corridor, particularly around Karachi, thereby restricting the operational reach of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in the western maritime theater. (Bharat Shakti)
Air Superiority and Aerial Engagements
The Indian Navy’s air wing, operating from INS Vikrant, conducted continuous Combat Air Patrols (CAPs) using MiG-29K fighters. These patrols deterred PAF aircraft from approaching the carrier group. In one notable incident, a Pakistani Mirage fighter jet was intercepted and shot down during an attempted incursion, with India publicly displaying the wreckage as evidence of its air defense capabilities. (@EconomicTimes)
Naval Firepower and Missile Deployment
INS Vikrant’s deployment was complemented by other naval assets, including destroyers and frigates equipped with BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. This formidable arsenal served as a deterrent, with Indian naval forces issuing a stern warning that any Pakistani misadventure could lead to the destruction of strategic assets, including the Karachi port. (The Times of India)
During Operation Sindoor, the Indian Navy maintained a forward-deployed posture in the northern Arabian Sea, with full combat readiness to strike strategic targets, including Karachi, if necessary. Vice Admiral AN Pramod confirmed that the Navy’s carrier battle group, submarines, and aviation assets were positioned to deliver precision strikes on select targets in Karachi as part of a broader deterrent strategy. YouTube+3The Times of India+3@EconomicTimes+3
While the Navy was poised for action, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducted a precision strike on the Malir Cantonment area near Karachi. This operation was part of a coordinated response to cross-border aggression and aimed at neutralizing key military infrastructure. The News Minute+2www.ndtv.com+2www.ndtv.com+2The News Minute
The IAF also targeted radar installations and air defense systems in other regions, including Lahore, using advanced loitering munitions. These strikes were designed to degrade Pakistan’s air defense capabilities and assert India’s strategic dominance in the region. The News Minute
Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s integrated military capabilities and its commitment to responding decisively to threats, with the Navy’s readiness to strike Karachi serving as a significant element of the operation’s strategic posture.
Electronic Warfare and Surveillance
The Carrier Battle Group utilized advanced electronic warfare systems and surveillance platforms to monitor and counter potential threats. These systems provided real-time intelligence, enhancing situational awareness and enabling proactive defense measures against any hostile actions from the PAF.(Bharat Shakti)
Strategic Impact
The deployment of INS Vikrant and its accompanying naval assets during Operation Sindoor effectively neutralized Pakistani aerial threats in the southern sector. This not only safeguarded Indian maritime interests but also showcased India’s capability to project power and maintain air superiority in the region. The operation reaffirmed the Indian Navy’s strategic role in national defense and its readiness to counter multifaceted threats.
The deployment of INS Vikrant, alongside other naval assets, showcased India’s maritime strength and readiness. The carrier’s air wing, including MiG-29K fighters, Kamov Ka-31 helicopters for airborne surveillance, and HAL Dhruv helicopters for anti-submarine missions, enhanced the Navy’s operational capabilities. Advanced defense systems like Barak-8 surface-to-air missiles and EL/M-2248 MF-STAR radar further fortified the carrier’s defenses. (Wikipedia, @mathrubhumi)
While Indian sources highlight the strategic advantage gained through this deployment, Pakistani officials contend that their Navy’s effective strategy kept INS Vikrant confined to India’s territorial waters, preventing any maritime adventurism against Pakistan. (The Express Tribune)
The contrasting narratives underscore the complex dynamics of naval posturing in the region. Nonetheless, the deployment of INS Vikrant marked a significant demonstration of India’s naval capabilities and its commitment to safeguarding national interests.(Free Press Journal)
For a visual perspective on the proximity of Indian naval assets to Karachi during this period, you may find the following video informative: