Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated dramatically, with the Indian Armed Forces successfully intercepting a Pakistani Fateh-2 ballistic missile that was targeting Delhi. The interception occurred over Sirsa, averting a potentially devastating attack on the Indian capital. This event is part of a larger series of attacks and counter-attacks between the two nations, following India's Operation Sindoor, in which the Indian military targeted and destroyed nine key terrorist camps within Pakistani territory.
In response to India's operation, Pakistan launched a major escalation, attempting to target military establishments in several Indian cities, including Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Pathankot, Udhampur, New Delhi, Jalandhar, and Sirsa. However, the Indian armed forces successfully neutralized these attempts. The Indian air defense grid, a sophisticated, multi-layered shield designed to counter a diverse spectrum of aerial threats, proved its resilience and effectiveness. This grid incorporates the Indian Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) Programme, with components like Prithvi Air Defence (PAD) for exo-atmospheric interception and Advanced Air Defence (AAD) for endo-atmospheric interception. The PAD system can engage targets at altitudes up to 80 km and intercept ballistic missiles launched from up to 5,000 km away.
The interception of the Fateh-2 missile is a testament to India's advanced air defense capabilities, particularly the S-400 air defense systems, which have been instrumental in neutralizing aerial threats. According to reports, the S-400 system successfully tracked and destroyed the Fatah-2 tactical ballistic missile. In addition to the ballistic missile interception, Indian forces have also been actively countering drone attacks. Over 80% of the intruding projectiles were shot down in mid-air by L70 air defense guns, counter-drone systems, and Akash missile systems. The armed forces also neutralized missile and drone attacks targeting key areas in Jammu, Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia.
Amid the rising tensions, a complete blackout was observed in several districts of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan as a precautionary measure. Sirens and explosions were reported in various locations, including Amritsar. Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security review meeting with the Director Generals of all border guarding forces, focusing on operational readiness, especially of the Border Security Force (BSF).
India's Ministry of Defense stated that Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in the northern and western frontiers of India, including sectors of Avantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bathinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Palhodi, Uttari and Beas using drones and missiles. These were intercepted. Furthermore, an air defense system at Lahore was reportedly neutralized in a retaliatory move. The Indian Navy has forward deployed its warships near Pakistan’s coastline to deter potential aggression. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reviewed the situation with the Chief of Defence Staff and chiefs of the three armed services, affirming that India will respond to any escalation from Pakistan proportionally.
