KEY POINTS
- India’s air defence stopped two waves of missile and drone attacks from Pakistan within 48 hours.
- S-400 missiles, Akash systems, and counter-drone tech were used to protect 15 cities.
- Two Pakistani fighter jets, including an F-16, were shot down by Indian forces.
In a remarkable show of strength and preparedness, India’s air defence system protected the country from two waves of missile and drone attacks launched by Pakistan within 48 hours. These attacks came shortly after India’s successful Operation Sindoor, which destroyed nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
Attack After Operation Sindoor
The first wave of attacks started late at night on May 7 and continued into the early hours of May 8. Pakistan targeted Indian military bases in and around 15 cities in states like Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. But India was ready.
Using the powerful S-400 missile defence system from Russia and HARPY drones from Israel, the Indian Air Force intercepted the incoming missiles and responded with a strong counterattack. The HARPY drones even managed to destroy Pakistan’s air defence systems.
Just hours later, Pakistan launched a second wave of attacks. Air raid sirens rang across many cities close to the border, including those in Punjab, Rajasthan, and Jammu & Kashmir. Blackouts were ordered in border towns to keep people safe.
But once again, India’s defence forces stood like a wall. The air defence system shot down the missiles and even brought down two Pakistani fighter jets, including a US-made F-16, soon after it took off from Pakistan’s Sargodha airbase.
India’s Multi-Layered Air Defence
India’s success was due to a strong, layered air defence system that includes modern technology and skilled personnel. The integrated counter-UAS (unmanned aircraft systems) grid played a key role in identifying and neutralising threats.
This system uses radars, radio frequency sensors, and other tools to detect incoming drones or missiles. It can jam their signals or fire missiles to destroy them mid-air. Many explosions seen in the sky during the attacks were Pakistan’s missiles being intercepted by this system.
Power of the S-400 System
The S-400 missile defence system is one of the most important parts of India’s air shield. It can track targets from 600 km away and shoot them down within 400 km. Each squadron includes radars, missiles, and a command centre to track and intercept threats from all directions.
India had signed a $5 billion deal with Russia in 2018 to buy five S-400 squadrons, showing how serious the country is about its defence.
Along with the S-400, India used SAMAR, a short-range defence system with Russian Vympel missiles. These have a 12 km range and are great for shooting down low-flying targets like drones.
India also used its Akash missile system, which is designed in India and can attack multiple targets at once within 50 km. Like Israel’s famous Iron Dome, Akash is known for its ability to deal with enemy jamming and tricks.
India also used its older systems like the S-125 Pechora, which has been serving since the 1970s but still works well against helicopters, drones, and fighter jets. For very short distances, India uses VSHORAD, which are portable anti-aircraft weapons that soldiers can carry and fire from their shoulder.
India’s Sky Warriors
All these defence systems are supported by India’s mighty Air Force fighter jets, including the modern Rafale aircraft from France. These jets are fast, flexible, and deadly in both attack and defence missions.
India’s strong and layered air defence wall protected the country during these twin attacks. It not only stopped Pakistan’s missiles and drones but also sent a clear message: India is fully prepared to defend itself.
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