New Delhi, May 8: In a powerful display of military precision, the Indian Armed Forces destroyed Pakistan’s key air defence system in Lahore, delivering a decisive blow to the country’s eastern air surveillance capabilities. This came hours after Indian air defence units successfully intercepted a large-scale drone and missile attack targeting 15 cities across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat.
The Pakistani offensive, involving coordinated strikes on major military bases in Srinagar, Pathankot, Amritsar, and other cities, was thwarted by India’s advanced S-400 air defence system. No damage was reported on Indian soil.
Decisive Counterstrike on Lahore
In retaliation, India launched a calculated counter-offensive, deploying HARPY kamikaze drones to target and destroy Pakistani radar and surface-to-air missile systems located in and around Lahore. Defence officials confirmed that the destruction of these systems has significantly compromised Pakistan’s ability to detect and respond to aerial threats in the region.
“The response was direct, measured, and within the same domain,” a senior Indian defence official said, emphasizing that the retaliation focused solely on military targets.
Strategic Shift
The destruction of Lahore’s air defence infrastructure marks a strategic shift, bringing India’s military response closer to high-value targets in urban Pakistan. Military analysts view this as a bold and clear signal that India is willing to escalate proportionately to neutralize emerging threats.
Backdrop of Ongoing Tensions
The failed missile offensive follows India’s May 7 precision strikes on nine terror camps—four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir—linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba. Those operations were carried out in response to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed multiple Indian personnel.
Debris Recovery and Evidence
Indian forces are now collecting debris from intercepted drones and missiles, which the government says will serve as concrete proof of Pakistan’s military involvement in cross-border terrorism.
As tensions escalate, India has reinforced security along the LoC and remains on high operational alert, asserting it will respond firmly to any future provocations.
