Op Sindoor 2: Exercise the Soft Kill Options to Target Networks

Operation Sindoor, launched on the Night of May 06 and 07, targeting the base of terrorist groups in Pakistan ranged against India, was successful in achieving the objectives set by the Indian Cabinet Committee on Security [CCS] headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The air and missile strikes on nine designated targets caused considerable damage to the terrorist hubs in Muridke and Bahawalpur inside Pakistan, and Muzaffarabad in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir amongst others resulting in the death of multiple terrorists. Pak state complicity was evident with attendance of the cremation of many of these by top military commanders of the Pakistan Army, possibly representing the military as well as the intelligence agency, the ISI.

While the political objective was achieved, from the military perspective, there has been some debate over aerial attacks on the first night, wherein Pakistan has claimed to have brought down multiple Indian Air Force fighters, which has not been directly acknowledged by the Indian side, leaving a degree of ambiguity.

There is also a debate over whether any restraints were placed on the military on the first night of attacks to restrict targeting to the terrorist objectives. This has been denied by the Prime Minister as well as other ministers in their statements in the parliament during the debate on Op Sindoor.

In a future scenario where Operation Sindoor is said to be continuing with a view to bringing Pakistan to change its state policy on supporting terrorism, operations against terror hubs in that country by air, missile and drone strikes would be a distinct possibility.

In such a scenario, soft kills on the Pakistan [and Chinese supporting] networks could be a viable option for which capacity building is called for.

A soft kill generally refers to a cyber and electronic attack to disable or degrade an adversary's capabilities without necessarily causing physical destruction. A military objective can be achieved with lower political and escalatory risks while providing a shield for attacking aircraft and drones on critical targets in the enemy hinterland.

The military may also be looking at these options, but is cautious about the opportunities amidst the challenges of avoiding escalation. While a kinetic kill no doubt remains an assured option, electronic, cyber and information attacks today provide an alternative and should be used effectively.

The vulnerability of what is known as "network of networks" to disrupt information, command, and control, as well as sensor shooter interface, can well be achieved through soft kills as much as missile or drone attacks.

The adversary could be operating two types of networks, which would be of interest in the initial stage of a war.

Firstly, C4ISTAR or Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance, Targeting, and Reconnaissance

Second, are the Sensor shooter interfaces connecting radars, satellites and  drones to weapon systems be it in the air or ground such as missiles, drones and combat aircraft

Soft kill military techniques are well known and could include electronic jamming, spoofing and deception, deployment of decoys, amongst others. Intelligence about the enemy frequencies may have to be acquired while sweep jammers could enable engaging these a priori, including overcoming ECM measures undertaken.

Cyber attacks target the computers, software, and data that underpin the military network, which is another option and could include Denial-of-Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) Attacks, Malware and Logic Bombs, Data Manipulation and penetration for disruptions.

The advantages of a soft kill far outweigh a hard kill, apart from keeping the escalation threshold within manageable limits. Such attacks shield the aggressor and are deniable. These can cripple the entire system operating on a "network of networks" and not just the targeted entity. The possibility of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) technology and artificial integration creates vulnerabilities which can be targeted.

Importantly, having declared the intention of a strike following a terrorist attack, India has lost strategic surprise. Soft kill options, in turn, can provide operational surprise if timed with the overall strike plan, thus numbing the adversary into inaction or delayed action.