New Delhi: In a dramatic escalation of military tensions, India’s integrated air defence and counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) grid successfully intercepted multiple Pakistani armed drones, loitering munitions, and missiles targeting 15 military installations, including key Indian Air Force (IAF) bases in Pathankot and Srinagar, on the night of May 7-8, 2025. This operation came just a day after India launched Operation Sindoor, aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
According to sources in the defence and security establishment, the S-400 and multiple units of the Akash missile system, along with other surface-to-air missile systems and integrated counter-UAS technologies, effectively thwarted Pakistan’s military escalation. Notably, Pakistan did not deploy any aircraft for this operation but instead utilized a large number of drones and missiles.
The Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that Pakistan attempted to engage a variety of military targets across Northern and Western India, including Awantipura, Jammu, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj. The Integrated Air Command & Control System (IACCS) of the IAF detected the airborne threats, allowing air defence units to engage and neutralize the incoming projectiles before they could inflict damage on any installations.
“The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,” the MoD's statement read, highlighting the effectiveness of India's air defence measures. The primary targets of the Pakistani drones and missiles were identified as air force stations and radar installations.
In retaliation, India launched kamikaze drones targeting Pakistani military installations, with the Indian defence ministry stating that an air defence system in Lahore had been neutralized. This indicates that Indian drones successfully penetrated Pakistani air defences, marking a significant tactical achievement.
Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) claimed that while some Indian attacks were neutralized, the exception was in Lahore, where they reported injuries to four army personnel. They also listed the locations of Indian strikes as Attock, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Bahawalpur, Miano, Chor, and near Karachi. All targeted sites in Pakistan were reportedly air defence radars and weapons systems, including the Chinese-manufactured HQ-9B.
The S-400 Triumf, known in the IAF as Sudarshan Chakra, played a crucial role in this defence operation. This advanced air defence missile system, developed by Russia, is capable of detecting and engaging a wide spectrum of airborne threats, including stealth aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones. It employs a network of multi-band phased array radars that offer 360-degree surveillance and can track up to 300 targets simultaneously from distances of up to 600 kilometers.
Each missile in the S-400 arsenal is equipped with a combination of inertial, active, and passive homing technologies, making them resilient against jamming and electronic warfare. The system can engage up to 36 targets at once, launching missiles suited to intercept threats at various ranges, including the 40N6 (up to 400 km) and 48N6DM (up to 250 km).
The S-400’s capability extends to high-altitude threats, covering altitudes up to 30 kilometers, thereby providing robust protection against aerial assaults. Reports have indicated that the system has demonstrated an impressive 80% kill rate during exercises against simulated enemy aircraft, reinforcing its reputation as one of the world’s most formidable air defence systems.
Alongside the S-400, India’s homegrown Akash missile system was also deployed. This short to medium-range surface-to-air missile system, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is 96% indigenous and is part of India’s push for self-reliance in defence manufacturing. The Akash system can engage multiple air targets and is capable of defending against UAVs, cruise missiles, and missiles launched from helicopters.
With a range of 4.5 to 25 kilometers and an altitude coverage of up to 80 kilometers, the Akash system is designed for versatility and effectiveness in various combat scenarios. It can carry conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 60 kilograms, adding to its deterrent capability.
As tensions continue to rise, the Indian military has reiterated its commitment to a non-escalatory response, contingent upon respect from the Pakistani military. However, the recent escalation has resulted in tragic consequences, with reports indicating that 16 innocent lives were lost due to Pakistani artillery fire across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.
Indian Armed Forces have vowed to respond decisively to any threats while maintaining a focus on measured and appropriate responses. The situation remains fluid, with both sides on high alert as military operations continue.
In summary, the recent military exchanges between India and Pakistan underscore the ongoing volatility in the region, with both nations demonstrating their military capabilities and readiness to defend their territorial integrity. As the conflict unfolds, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability over further escalation.
