Key Points:
- Pakistan launched a major nighttime attack, firing missiles and drones at multiple Indian cities in Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan; all threats were intercepted by India’s S-400 and Akash air defence systems.
- Eight missiles targeted Jammu’s Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia sectors; none reached their targets thanks to Indian air defence.
- Blackouts were imposed in several cities, including Jammu, Jalandhar, and Jaisalmer, as a precaution during the attacks.
- Indian armed forces retaliated by destroying key Pakistani air defence radars and systems, including the HQ-9P shield in Lahore.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh briefed PM Modi, CDS General Chauhan, and the three service chiefs; the situation is under constant high-level review.
- Operation Sindoor remains ongoing, with India maintaining a “measured, focused, and non-escalatory” response, but vowing not to back down if provoked.
New Delhi: Tensions between India and Pakistan surged to a new high late Thursday night as Pakistan launched a large-scale missile and drone attack on Indian cities across Jammu, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The Indian armed forces, leveraging their advanced S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra” and Akash air defence systems, intercepted and neutralized all incoming threats, preventing any casualties or damage.
Pakistan’s Nighttime Barrage: Hamas-Style Tactics
In a coordinated assault, Pakistan fired eight missiles at key sectors in Jammu-including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia-while also launching drones at military installations in Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, Bhuj, and other cities. The barrage, described by defence experts as reminiscent of Hamas’s tactics in the Middle East, was intended to overwhelm Indian defences and inflict maximum disruption.
As the attacks unfolded, blackouts were imposed in multiple cities-including Jammu, Jalandhar, and Jaisalmer-to facilitate air defence operations and ensure civilian safety. Residents reported hearing multiple explosions and seeing flashes in the night sky as Indian air defence units shot down incoming missiles and drones.
Indian Air Defence: S-400 and Akash Prove Decisive
India’s integrated air defence grid, anchored by the Russian-made S-400 system and supported by Akash and other indigenous missile batteries, tracked and intercepted all hostile projectiles. The S-400’s long-range radar and missile capabilities allowed Indian forces to detect, engage, and destroy threats at significant distances, ensuring that none of the missiles or drones reached their intended targets.
Swift Indian Retaliation: Lahore Air Defence Neutralized
In a calibrated and proportionate response, Indian armed forces struck back at Pakistani military infrastructure, targeting and destroying key air defence radars and systems-including the Chinese-made HQ-9P missile shield protecting Lahore. This counterstrike left Lahore, one of Pakistan’s most vital cities, exposed and sent a clear message about India’s ability to dominate the air domain if provoked.
High-Level Monitoring and Political Consensus
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh immediately briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the evolving situation, with Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan and the three service chiefs also in close consultation. The government reiterated its commitment to a “focused, measured, and non-escalatory” response, but made it clear that India will not hesitate to retaliate forcefully if further provoked.
An all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Singh saw unanimous support for the armed forces, with political leaders across the spectrum praising the military’s professionalism and India’s robust defensive posture.
India’s air defence network, led by the S-400 and Akash systems, successfully thwarted a major Pakistani missile and drone attack targeting multiple cities. In response, India destroyed key Pakistani air defence assets in Lahore, signaling both restraint and readiness for escalation if necessary. The situation remains tense, with both militaries on high alert and political leadership in constant consultation.
