The Indian Air Force (IAF) is reported to have used SCALP and HAMMER missiles and deployed Rafale jets to target terror infrastructure of several militant outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), Hizbul Mujahideen etc deep inside Pakistan and PoJK last night. It also used guided bomb kits in carrying out the strikes.
SCALP missile, manufactured by a European Defence company, has been designed to target critical infrastructure including hardened bunkers. It was reportedly instrumental in targeting JeM headquarters at Bhawalpur in Pakistan’s Punjab province where close aides and some family members of Jaish chief Masood Azhar were killed.
The Jaish headquarter was completely destroyed.
Officials told the Excelsior that SCALP missile can be deployed from fighter jets like Rafale and Typhoon. They said the SCALP missile facilitates the IAF to carry out stealth strikes deep inside the enemy territory
“It supports pre-planned missions aimed at fixed strategic targets,” the officials said.
The missile has been used during military operations in Syria, Iraq and Libya. Ukraine has also used the missile for carrying out strike in Russia.
As per the officials, the HAMMER missile used by India for strikes deep inside Pakistan and PoJK is an air-to-ground precision guided missile system. It is a French made missile and is used for medium-range tactical operations. It has very high accuracy rate in striking targets
“The HAMMER missile can also be equipped with GPS, infrared imaging and laser targeting. It can hit wide range of targets including mobile assets and fortified structure,” they said.
The French made Rafale jets were also used in hitting the targets, the officials said.
They said the SCALP and HAMMER missiles enabled the IAF to hit target precisely and deep inside Pakistan and PoJK to destroy terror infrastructure of various outfits which was being used to target security forces and civilians in Jammu and Kashmir.
