3,000 Agniveers passed trial by fire during Op Sindoor, guarded key installations: Reports

Around 3,000 Agniveers, mostly around 20 years old and recruited under the Agnipath scheme in the last two years, were deployed in critical air defence roles during Operation Sindoor. Sources confirm these personnel were integral in defending Indian military installations, airbases, and cities against repeated missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan from May 7 to 10. Their deployment was primarily along the western front, where they served alongside regular soldiers.

Reports indicate the Agniveers operated in four specialised trades: gunners, fire control operators, radio operators, and drivers of heavy-duty vehicles equipped with guns and missile launchers. They were also involved in activating and managing Akashteer, a locally developed air defence control and reporting system that played a central role in India’s response to incoming aerial threats. Sources highlight that each air defence unit included 150 to 200 Agniveers.

According to defence sources, the Agniveers fired shoulder-launched missiles and operated various upgraded anti-aircraft guns such as the L-70 and Zu-23-2B. They also manned weapons systems including Pechora, Schilka, OSA-AK, Strela, and Tunguska, along with medium-range surface-to-air missile systems like Akash. In addition to weapon operation, they managed radars, communication networks, and served as sentries after deploying weapon systems in combat zones.

The Agnipath recruitment scheme, introduced around three years ago, selects personnel aged 17.5 to 21 for a four-year tenure. Sources confirm that Agniveers receive an annual salary rising from ₹4.76 lakh in the first year to ₹6.92 lakh in the fourth year, along with non-contributory insurance coverage of ₹48 lakh and an ex-gratia death benefit of ₹44 lakh. Upon completion of service, they are eligible for a Seva Nidhi package totaling ₹11.71 lakh, which includes their own contributions of ₹5.02 lakh. Unlike regular soldiers, Agniveers do not receive pensions, healthcare, or canteen benefits.

Reports also note that the Indian government has reserved 10% vacancies in the Central Armed Police Forces for Agniveers, with some defence public sector units and state police forces following suit. The Akashteer system, procured from Bharat Electronics Limited for nearly ₹2,000 crore, was operational for the first time during the clash and is credited with integrating multiple sensors and weapons, enabling rapid detection and neutralisation of Pakistani missile and drone threats.