Amid escalating tensions, India has reportedly deployed its HARPY drones and S-400 missile defense system to counter recent attacks. Residents in Jammu, a city in Indian-administered Kashmir, have reported major explosions and sirens, leading to a complete blackout. Local news channels have also reported suspected drone activity over the city.
India's Response: HARPY Drones and S-400
In response to the recent attacks, India has activated its advanced air defense systems, including the S-400 missile interceptors. Sources indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully used the S-400 system, referred to as 'Sudharshan Chakra' in India, to neutralize missiles fired by Pakistan towards Indian cities. The S-400 can track aerial threats from as far as 600 km and intercept targets within a 400-km range. Following the S-400's deployment, India reportedly used Israeli-made HARPY drones to target and disable Pakistani air defense radars.
The HARPY drone is designed to attack radar systems, carrying a high-explosive warhead and equipped with a radar that can autonomously seek and strike radiation-emitting targets. It can operate in deep-strike missions for up to nine hours, day or night. These drones are optimized for "Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses" (SEAD) roles.
S-400 Missile Defense System
The S-400, also known as "Sudarshan" in Indian service, is considered one of the world's most advanced long-range air defense missile systems. Each S-400 squadron includes two batteries, each with launchers, radar, and a control center, supporting up to 128 missiles per battery. The system can detect, track, and engage various aerial threats, including stealth aircraft, fighter jets, drones, and cruise or ballistic missiles, at ranges of up to 400 km. India has procured five squadrons from Russia, with three already operational and two more expected by 2026.
Accusations and Counter-Accusations
India has accused Pakistan of attempting a drone attack, while Pakistan claims to have shot down Indian drones. Pakistan's military states that it has shot down 25 Indian kamikaze drones. Pakistan also alleges that India has deployed Israeli Harop drones against targets including Karachi and Lahore. India, on the other hand, claims to have "neutralized" attempts by Pakistan to hit military targets.
Regional Impact and Tensions
The recent events have caused increased tensions between India and Pakistan. Residents in Jammu and other areas have reported explosions, sirens, and blackouts. Both the Indian Army and the Border Security Force (BSF) have reportedly closed off areas near the India-Pakistan border. Flights have also been suspended at airports across northern and western India.
