In a swift and coordinated military response, India on Thursday repelled a major Pakistani aerial offensive targeting its military installations and immediately launched a counter-attack on terror and air defence infrastructure across the border. The Pakistani assault came in two waves — one during the intervening night of May 7 and 8, and another on the evening of May 8 — involving a barrage of missiles and drones aimed at Indian Army and Air Force bases.
To neutralise the threats, Indian defence forces deployed a formidable mix of Russian, Israeli, and indigenous weapon systems. Among the systems used were the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence systems, the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missiles, advanced anti-drone technologies, and the Israeli-made Harop loitering munitions — kamikaze drones designed to destroy high-value enemy assets.
Defence officials confirmed that Indian forces were able to swiftly detect and destroy the incoming threats through an integrated radar network and advanced command-and-control systems.
In addition, Pakistan made multiple failed attempts to deploy swarm drones across the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border. In response, the Indian Army launched a massive counter-drone operation across Udhampur, Samba, Jammu, Akhnoor, Nagrota, and Pathankot. Over 50 drones were successfully shot down by air defence units using L-70 guns, Zu-23mm, Schilka systems, and other advanced counter-UAS equipment.
The Pakistani attack targeted over 15 cities and military hubs across India’s north and west, including Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Pathankot, Bathinda, Ludhiana, and Bhuj. These areas house key military transport and fighter bases, logistics hubs, and command centres. However, the attempted escalation was blunted by India’s advanced defence preparedness.
In retaliation, India launched Operation Sindoor, a calibrated military response targeting nine terror-linked sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These included weapons depots, training facilities, and air defence infrastructure. Notably, Indian forces reportedly neutralised an air defence unit near Lahore. The use of Harop drones, Scalp cruise missiles fired from Rafale jets, and Hammer smart bombs ensured high precision with no collateral damage, officials said.
The defence ministry stated that the counter-strikes were proportional to the Pakistani offensive and aimed solely at eliminating the terror infrastructure.
The military action follows the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that left 26 civilians dead, most of them Hindus. Officials indicated that Operation Sindoor was part of a broader strategy to send a clear signal that terror attacks will be met with decisive force.
