KKN Gurugram Desk | In what is being hailed as a significant moment in Indian military history, Operation Sindoor has not only marked a strong strategic retaliation against Pakistani aggression but has also spotlighted the leadership of two Indian women colonels. For the first time in modern combat history, these officers commanded air defence (AD) units in active conflict zones, responding to cross-border hostilities from Pakistan with precision and resolve.

The operation, which was launched in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, involved joint strikes by the Indian Air Force and Army against terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and across the Line of Control (LoC). It lasted from May 7 to May 10, 2025, and resulted in heavy losses for hostile forces.

The Trigger: Pahalgam Terror Attack and Escalation

The sequence began with a brutal terror strike on May 6, 2025, in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir. Militants reportedly targeted both civilians and security personnel near a religious site. Immediate intelligence traced the attackers to camps in PoK, prompting India to initiate “Operation Sindoor” as a measured yet assertive military response.

The Indian response wasn’t limited to ground-level engagement. The coordinated mission involved:

• Precision airstrikes on terrorist camps

• Advanced drone surveillance across the LoC

• Retaliatory ground-based artillery shelling

Women at War: Two Colonels Make History

One of the most notable aspects of Operation Sindoor was the combat debut of two senior Indian women officers. Both serving at the rank of Colonel, they took command of two out of 25 air defence units that were strategically deployed during the operation.

While their identities have been kept confidential due to operational sensitivity, sources confirmed:

“Both women were the sole female officers in their respective units, each commanding over 800 soldiers. Their performance in high-pressure combat zones has set a new benchmark for leadership under fire.”

Their responsibilities included:

• Overseeing real-time missile response systems

• Directing counter-drone operations

• Protecting civilian and religious structures in proximity to the LoC

Gender Barrier Shattered: Women Lead in Combat Roles

Historically, women in the Indian Armed Forces have been limited to roles in medical, legal, or administrative branches, with exceptions only recently made for permanent commission and limited combat exposure.

Until 2023, women were largely restricted to the Military Police and support roles below officer cadre in active deployment. Operation Sindoor thus marks a watershed moment for gender equality in the Indian military framework.

This development is also seen as a direct outcome of defence policy reforms over the past five years, aimed at enhancing gender inclusion and operational diversity.

The Operation: Tactical Execution and Outcome

Timeline of Operation Sindoor (May 7–10, 2025):

• May 7: India initiates pre-dawn air strikes on PoK terror infrastructure.

• May 8: Pakistani drones and rocket systems breach Indian airspace; Indian AD units intercept.

• May 9: Indian forces target and destroy several Pakistani airbases.

• May 10: Pakistan begins calling for ceasefire after sustaining critical damage.

India achieved the following strategic outcomes:

• Destruction of multiple launch pads and weapons storage units in PoK

• Neutralization of at least three Pakistani drone launch centers

• Disruption of Pakistani military communication lines near the LoC

Pakistan’s Retaliation and Failure

Following India’s airstrike on May 7, Pakistan launched retaliatory attacks via drones and rocket artillery by the evening. These attacks were primarily aimed at disrupting India’s LoC-forward positions and creating panic near sensitive civilian areas.

However, thanks to robust air defence systems, many of which were overseen by the two colonels, India not only neutralized incoming threats but also launched precision-targeted counter-attacks.

By May 10, satellite images and field intel confirmed extensive damage to:

• Mirpur and Kotli military installations

• Airbases in Punjab province used for UAV operations

• Supply convoys heading to terror camps

Ceasefire Negotiations: Pakistan Pleads for De-escalation

By the evening of May 10, senior military officers from Pakistan established a communication channel with their Indian counterparts, requesting a ceasefire. This came after Indian forces had effectively completed their mission objectives.

A Pakistani military officer reportedly called the Indian operations headquarter directly, signaling their willingness to halt the exchange in order to “prevent further casualties”.

India, having already delivered a strategically calibrated response, agreed to the ceasefire, reinforcing its doctrine of “measured deterrence” over prolonged escalation.

Women Officers Set New Precedents

The exemplary performance of the two colonels is being viewed not just as an individual achievement, but as a symbolic shift in India’s military culture.

According to a senior Indian Army official:

“Their conduct in real-time threat scenarios, coordination under stress, and successful interception missions validate the decision to expand women’s roles in core combat operations.”

Expectations are now mounting for the Ministry of Defence to create clearer pathways for women in leadership roles within artillery, infantry, and special forces—sectors that remain largely male-dominated.

Agniveer Contribution in Operation Sindoor

The operation also highlighted the active role of Agniveer recruits—young soldiers inducted under the short-term contractual Agnipath scheme.

Despite being in service for under a year, Agniveers showcased exceptional courage in:

• Surveillance and radar operations

• Logistical support under hostile fire

• Evacuation and safety coordination for civilians

Their performance has earned praise and opened debates around career progression and post-service opportunities for Agniveers in national defence.

Impact on National Security and Civil Sentiment

The quick and decisive response through Operation Sindoor has restored a sense of security and confidence among civilians in Jammu & Kashmir, particularly those near conflict-prone zones.

The successful protection of religious sites, despite being prime targets of cross-border fire, has been cited as a key victory for India’s civil-military harmony.

Several citizen groups, veterans, and social organizations have also called for formal recognition and gallantry awards for the women officers and Agniveer teams involved.

Strategic Takeaways and Future Projections

Key Military Lessons from Operation Sindoor:

1. Integrated Command Model Works: Coordination between Air Force, Army, and intel wings proved efficient.

2. Women Can Lead Combat Effectively: Operational success under female command reinforces gender-neutral capabilities.

3. Drone Warfare is the New Normal: Both attack and defence technologies were centered on UAV strategies.

4. Rapid Response Matters: The speed of retaliation was pivotal in dictating terms of ceasefire.

5. Civilian Shielding is Now Central to Strategy: Religious and sensitive infrastructure were actively defended and preserved.

Operation Sindoor will be remembered not just for its military precision and strategic success, but more so for ushering in a new era of inclusive combat leadership in Indian defence history.

The involvement of two women colonels in a live battlefield situation—and their unequivocal success—has redefined the role of gender in warfare and shown that courage, strategy, and leadership know no gender.

As India moves forward in a geopolitically sensitive landscape, Operation Sindoor sets the standard for future military operations: swift, strategic, and inclusive.