In a remarkable display of bravery and tactical preparedness, the Indian Armed Forces successfully safeguarded key cities in the border states during the recent conflict with Pakistan, which included drone attacks and air assaults aimed at civilian and religious establishments. The Indian Army’s advanced air defence systems played a crucial role in intercepting and destroying these threats before they could inflict damage.
Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Infantry Division, highlighted the critical role played by Indian Air Defence units, including the AKASH missile system and L-70 air defence guns, in protecting vital locations such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and several cities in Punjab.
“We had intelligence indicating that Pakistan, lacking legitimate military targets, would attempt to hit Indian military installations, civilian areas, and significant religious sites like the Golden Temple,” said Major General Seshadri. “Anticipating this, we deployed additional modern air defence assets to provide comprehensive protection.”
On the early morning of May 8, under the cover of darkness, Pakistani forces launched a significant air assault using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and long-range missiles targeting the Golden Temple and other sensitive locations. Thanks to the vigilance and valor of the army’s air defence personnel, all drones and missiles were intercepted and neutralized without any damage to the sacred Golden Temple.
“Our brave and alert air defence gunners thwarted the nefarious designs of the Pakistani forces, ensuring that not even a scratch was inflicted on the holy Golden Temple,” Major General Seshadri emphasized.
The Major General also explained how the Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 innocent tourists, triggered India’s retaliatory Operation Sindoor. Under this operation, the Indian Army conducted precise strikes on nine terror camps deep inside Pakistan, destroying key terrorist infrastructure while deliberately avoiding Pakistani military or civilian targets.
“Of the nine targets struck, seven were exclusively destroyed by the Indian Army,” said Seshadri. “We struck terror hubs such as Muridke, near Lahore, home to Lashkar-e-Tayyaba headquarters, and Bahawalpur, which houses the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters.”
India’s air defence systems proved their effectiveness throughout the conflict, intercepting a wide range of aerial threats including drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions. These operations underscore India’s growing prowess in air defence technology and their capacity to protect civilians and critical infrastructure amid escalating tensions.
This successful defence effort not only prevented significant loss and destruction but also sent a strong message of India’s resolve and capability to counter hostile incursions.