3,000 Agniveers, Barely 20 Years old, Shielded India’s Skies During Operation Sindoor
Nidhi | May 23, 2025, 18:24 IST
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau, Timeslife )
In the face of enemy drone and missile attacks, over 3,000 Agniveers—barely out of their teens—stood as India's first line of defence during Operation Sindoor. Deployed along the western front, these young warriors operated cutting-edge air defence systems, launched surface-to-air missiles, and manned anti-aircraft guns to protect key military installations. Recruited under the Agnipath scheme, they proved that courage isn’t measured in years but in resolve. This article tells the gripping story of how India's youngest soldiers earned their stripes in real combat, reshaping the national debate on military reform.
“They were meant to learn from war. Instead, they helped win one.”
When India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in retaliation to the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, the Indian Armed Forces mobilized with precision and fury. What few expected, however, was the critical frontline role played by the youngest members of India’s military — the Agniveers.
Over 3,000 Agniveers, most barely out of their teens, were deployed to man India’s air defence systems, respond to incoming threats, and protect strategic bases and cities from a barrage of Pakistani missile and drone attacks. For four days, until the ceasefire was declared on May 10, these young recruits held their ground alongside seasoned soldiers — and the results have turned heads, even within the defence establishment. 
These weren’t senior officers or seasoned soldiers. Many of the Agniveers deployed were from small towns and villages — sons of farmers, labourers, daily-wage workers. Most had joined the Army or Air Force in the past two years, leaving home with dreams of serving the country, maybe seeing a border someday.
They never expected to be in the middle of a live operation so soon. But war didn’t ask their age. It demanded their courage. 
Between May 7 and May 10, as part of Operation Sindoor, Agniveers:
“They didn’t just support the war effort. They were the war effort,” a senior officer told India Today TV. 
They are the first generation of youth under the Agnipath recruitment scheme, launched in 2022 to modernise India’s forces. The scheme offers a 4-year term for non-officer ranks, followed by a 25% selection into long-term service. The rest return to civilian life with ₹11.71 lakh as a Seva Nidhi fund — but no pension, no canteen privileges, no lifelong healthcare.
They knew that before they signed up.
And yet, they did.
They were motivated not by the benefits they’d receive — but by the uniform they’d earn. 
At just 19 or 20, these soldiers have operated advanced defence systems that, until recently, were entrusted only to veterans. And they did it under live fire.
In the air defence units where they were deployed, 150 to 200 Agniveers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned personnel. Many have already been marked for commendations, and their performance is being called "a decisive factor" in India’s swift, coordinated defence response during the operation.
Some of them had joined to escape poverty. Others joined because their fathers were in the army. A few had never been on an airplane but were now tracking enemy aircraft and drones with radar systems. This was not training anymore — this was the real thing.
When the Agnipath scheme was announced, it led to protests, confusion, and debate. Critics said it was “experimenting with national security.” But Operation Sindoor gave the scheme its first true test — and real combat data to measure its worth.
Officials now believe the experience should “settle the debate”. Because for all the arguments about tenure, pensions, and policy — when the sky was falling, it was Agniveers who held it up. They’re young.
They’re brave.
They didn’t ask for war.
But they stood for peace — by preparing for battle.
These Agniveers don’t appear in victory parades or recruitment posters. But years from now, their names will be whispered at mess halls and training camps, as the first generation that proved a point:
“You don’t need decades to show courage. Sometimes, you just need four years — and one moment to choose.”
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!
When India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, 2025, in retaliation to the gruesome Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people, the Indian Armed Forces mobilized with precision and fury. What few expected, however, was the critical frontline role played by the youngest members of India’s military — the Agniveers.
Over 3,000 Agniveers, most barely out of their teens, were deployed to man India’s air defence systems, respond to incoming threats, and protect strategic bases and cities from a barrage of Pakistani missile and drone attacks. For four days, until the ceasefire was declared on May 10, these young recruits held their ground alongside seasoned soldiers — and the results have turned heads, even within the defence establishment.
A War They Weren’t Supposed to Fight — But Did
Operation Sindoor
( Image credit : IANS )
They never expected to be in the middle of a live operation so soon. But war didn’t ask their age. It demanded their courage.
What They Actually Did: The Facts Behind the Bravery
From foiling air attacks to crushing terror bases, Agniveers played crucial role in Operation Sindoor.
( Image credit : IANS )
- Manned L-70 and Zu-23-2B guns, which are crucial in bringing down low-flying drones and aircraft.
- Operated missile systems like Akash, Pechora, OSA-AK, Strela, and Tunguska — all highly technical platforms requiring discipline and skill.
- Helped activate Akashteer, India’s indigenously developed air defence control and reporting system.
- Fired shoulder-launched missiles, coordinated radar tracking, and responded to real-time aerial threats.
- Served across four specialised trades: gunners, fire control operators, radio operators, and heavy-vehicle drivers for missile systems.
“They didn’t just support the war effort. They were the war effort,” a senior officer told India Today TV.
Who Are These Agniveers?
Agniveer
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
They knew that before they signed up.
And yet, they did.
They were motivated not by the benefits they’d receive — but by the uniform they’d earn.
A New Kind of Soldier: Young, Trained, and Fearless
The Agniveers helped operationalise the locally developed air defence control and reporting system, called Akashteer
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
In the air defence units where they were deployed, 150 to 200 Agniveers stood shoulder-to-shoulder with seasoned personnel. Many have already been marked for commendations, and their performance is being called "a decisive factor" in India’s swift, coordinated defence response during the operation.
Some of them had joined to escape poverty. Others joined because their fathers were in the army. A few had never been on an airplane but were now tracking enemy aircraft and drones with radar systems. This was not training anymore — this was the real thing.
Agnipath: A Policy on Trial — And Possibly Redeemed
Operation Sindoor
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
Officials now believe the experience should “settle the debate”. Because for all the arguments about tenure, pensions, and policy — when the sky was falling, it was Agniveers who held it up.
Not Just Names on a List — But Stories That Will Be Told
They’re brave.
They didn’t ask for war.
But they stood for peace — by preparing for battle.
These Agniveers don’t appear in victory parades or recruitment posters. But years from now, their names will be whispered at mess halls and training camps, as the first generation that proved a point:
“You don’t need decades to show courage. Sometimes, you just need four years — and one moment to choose.”
Explore the latest trends and tips in Health & Fitness, Travel, Life Hacks, Fashion & Beauty, and Relationships at Times Life!