In a significant escalation of tensions, India intercepted multiple Pakistani drones across various locations in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K), Pathankot, and Jaisalmer on Thursday, May 8, 2025. These incidents occurred a day after India conducted strikes on terror camps within Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The drone incursions were met with a swift response from Indian forces, who successfully neutralized many threats, preventing significant damage.
Pakistani forces launched coordinated drone and missile attacks along India's western border, aiming at military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. India's air defense systems, including the S-400 missile defense system, intercepted these attacks, averting considerable damage. The Defence Ministry reported that the threats were neutralized using both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities, following established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
While most drones were intercepted, one drone did manage to hit the Jammu Civil Airport. Two other drones were shot down near Jammu University. In response to the aerial attacks, the Indian Army and Air Force deployed surface-to-air missile defense systems, including Akash, MRSAM, and Zu-23.
In light of the drone attacks, blackouts were enforced across Jammu and in select areas of Punjab and Rajasthan as a precautionary measure. Sirens were heard in several cities, and red flashes and projectiles lit up the night sky over these locations. A complete blackout was also implemented in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Power cuts were initiated in Jammu and Amritsar to facilitate uninterrupted air defense operations.
The situation prompted high-level security protocols to be activated across northern India. The Border Security Force (BSF) and the Indian Army sealed off a 100 km radius along the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC), with reports of heavy Pakistani troop mobilization.
India also launched a counteroffensive against Pakistan, responding with drone and missile strikes. India initiated targeted operations in the Arabian Sea against multiple Pakistani targets. Furthermore, India's air defense systems successfully took out a key air defense system in Lahore, Pakistan.
According to army sources, Pakistan deployed approximately 500 small drones targeting 24 cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. These simultaneous drone attacks occurred on the night of May 8th, lasting for about three and a half hours.
The Indian response included the shooting down of a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet and possibly two JF-17 jets. The Indian Army air defense units also shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir.
Following these events, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, assuring them that India would strongly counter any attempts to escalate tensions. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India's response was precise and measured, targeting non-civilian sites and ensuring minimal collateral damage.
The incident is part of a massive escalation in hostilities, with Pakistan launching strikes on multiple Indian states. Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur were specifically targeted using Pakistani-origin drones and missile systems along the International Border. Eight missiles were fired toward critical military zones in RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar, but all were successfully intercepted.
Amid the rising tensions, authorities extended the closure of 27 airports across northern, western, and central India until May 15. Affected airports included key locations such as Srinagar, Jammu, Leh, Chandigarh, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Rajkot, and Pathankot.
