India’s air defence foiled a major aerial attack by Pakistan targeting Jammu and key military bases. Retaliatory strikes followed, destroying Pakistani assets. Blackouts, missile interceptions, and civilian casualties marked the escalation, as India reaffirmed its defensive strength and strategic precision under Operation Sindoor.
India successfully thwarted a large-scale aerial assault by Pakistan on Thursday night, neutralizing drones and missiles that targeted multiple military installations and civilian areas near the western frontier. The attempted attack triggered widespread blackouts and sirens across parts of Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan.
According to the Integrated Defence Staff (IDS), key military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were among the intended targets. However, no damage or casualties were reported due to India’s prompt and coordinated air defence response. The IDS confirmed that the threats were “neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per standard operating procedures using kinetic and non-kinetic means.”
Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu & Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones.
No losses.
Threat neutralised by #IndianArmedForces as per SoP with kinetic & non-kinetic means.#OpSindoor… pic.twitter.com/TZlU9BSR9U— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) May 8, 2025
The aerial attack, reportedly involving multiple drones and at least eight missiles, caused temporary power outages in critical zones, including the Vaishno Devi shrine in Reasi and several parts of Srinagar. Despite the panic induced by the sirens and blackouts, the Indian Air Defence successfully intercepted all incoming projectiles, ensuring civilian safety.
In a major development, an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force, which had taken off from the Sargodha air base, was shot down by an Indian surface-to-air missile near its origin. This interception marked a significant defensive achievement and further evidence of India’s airspace surveillance and readiness.
Sources within the defence establishment revealed that Pakistan’s failed offensive followed an earlier thwarted attempt to strike 15 Indian cities, including Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, Ludhiana, and Bhuj. The Indian Armed Forces’ integrated counter-UAS grid and surveillance systems played a crucial role in eliminating the aerial threats. Debris recovered from multiple sites confirmed that the drones and missiles had originated from Pakistani territory.
Following the attack, India launched immediate retaliatory strikes targeting Pakistani military assets. These included the destruction of key air defence installations, notably one located in Lahore. Indian strikes were reported to be precise and targeted, with the objective of neutralizing further threats.
In response, Pakistan initiated unprovoked shelling along the Line of Control, particularly in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri sectors, using heavy artillery and mortars. Tragically, this aggression led to the death of 16 Indian civilians, including five children and three women. India responded with proportional force to these provocations.
Earlier, under Operation Sindoor, Indian forces had already struck nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, reportedly eliminating around 100 militants.
Tensions remain high as both nations brace for further developments, though Indian defence officials have reiterated their commitment to protecting national sovereignty and maintaining peace.
