Indian Intelligence and Air Defense Act Swiftly to Stop Disaster
New Delhi, May 8:
In a bold and coordinated move, Pakistan launched a series of missile and drone attacks on 15 Indian cities between the night of May 7 and the early hours of May 8. However, thanks to India’s state-of-the-art air defence systems—most notably the Russian-made S-400 'Sudarshan Chakra'—nearly 80% of the incoming threats were neutralized mid-air, while the rest were intercepted deep inside Pakistani airspace.
Why Did Pakistan Launch the Attack?
The escalation is believed to be a direct response to India's successful Operation Sindoor, which targeted multiple terror launchpads across the Line of Control (LoC). Facing internal pressure to retaliate, Pakistan attempted its most aggressive move since the 2019 Balakot airstrike by launching coordinated missile strikes aimed at dismantling key military infrastructure in India.
Targeted Cities
The 15 Indian cities targeted included:
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Awantipora – IAF base
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Srinagar – Military units
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Jammu – Strategic hub
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Pathankot – IAF station
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Amritsar – Border radar zones
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Kapurthala – Army cantonment
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Jalandhar – Signal regiment base
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Ludhiana – Logistics command center
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Adampur – Key IAF base
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Bathinda – Army units
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Chandigarh – Northern command HQ
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Nal (Bikaner) – Forward base
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Phalodi – Air surveillance site
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Uttarlai (Barmer) – IAF airbase
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Bhuj – Near the international border
These attacks were aimed at crippling India's Northern and Western defence commands. However, they were swiftly countered by Indian air defence mechanisms.
India’s Immediate Response: The Role of the S-400
India deployed its S-400 air defence systems—nicknamed ‘Sudarshan Chakra’—across strategic regions in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Northern India. These squadrons, fully operational since their induction from Russia under a ₹35,000 crore deal in 2018, provide 360-degree radar and missile coverage up to 400 km.
Within 60 seconds of detecting the incoming threats, India’s surveillance assets triggered the S-400 batteries, launching interceptor missiles that neutralized most of the enemy projectiles. Reports confirm that some were destroyed as deep as 100–120 km inside Pakistani airspace.
Supporting Defence Systems Also Played a Role
India’s indigenous Akash Air Defence System, developed by DRDO and produced by BDL and BEL, was also used to intercept incoming drones and cruise missiles. With a 45 km range and Mach 2.5–3.5 speed, Akash is an effective medium-range defence solution and is already being exported to countries like Armenia.
India’s Counterstrike on Lahore's Defence Infrastructure
In retaliation, India reportedly launched precision strikes on Pakistan’s air defence installations near Lahore, especially targeting the Chinese-supplied HQ-9 missile system and radar infrastructure. These installations, located near the India-Pakistan border, had been used to monitor Indian air activity and launch counter-missiles.
Strategic Impact of S-400 in Real Combat
This marks the first real combat use of the S-400 system by India, proving its efficiency in wartime scenarios. The success of the system has reinforced India's air defence capabilities and sent a strong message to adversaries that India will decisively neutralize any threat to its sovereignty.
India's Message: Prepared for Peace, Ready for War
Despite the intensity of the exchange, India has not escalated further, indicating that it does not seek full-scale war. However, it has made it clear that any hostile act will be met with a stronger response, and the S-400 system has become a force multiplier in India's military arsenal.
