Pakistan’s deployment of loitering munitions across India’s northern states was swiftly neutralized by Indian air defenses. In retaliation, India struck key Pakistani air defense nodes, including Lahore, marking a significant blow to Pakistan’s surveillance capability while avoiding civilian harm.
BY PC Bureau
New Delhi, May 8, 2025 — In a forceful counterstrike following Pakistan’s attempted drone incursion into Indian airspace, the Indian Air Force (IAF) neutralized key Pakistani air defense installations, including radar systems in Lahore, in what Indian officials described as a “measured and targeted response.”
Late Wednesday night, Pakistan launched loitering munitions—also known as suicide drones—towards Indian military positions in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat, aiming to disrupt radar and air defense networks. The IAF swiftly intercepted and destroyed the drones, preventing casualties or structural damage.
In response, India carried out precision strikes on Pakistani radar and air defense sites, targeting military infrastructure in multiple locations, with Lahore singled out as a strategic node. The Indian government stated the operation was part of its right to self-defense and in direct retaliation to “unprovoked and destabilizing actions by Pakistan.”
——————
Here is India’s full statement:
During the Press Briefing on Operation SINDOOR on 07 May 2025, India had called its response as focused, measured and non-escalatory. It was specifically mentioned that Pakistani military establishments had not been targeted.
It was also reiterated that any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response.
On the night of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles.
These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems.
The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks.
Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan.
Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan.
It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.
Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
Sixteen innocent lives have been lost, including three women and five children, due to Pakistani firing.
Here too, India was compelled to respond to bring Mortar and Artillery fire from Pakistan to a halt.
Indian Armed Forces reiterate their commitment to non-escalation, provided it is respected by the Pakistani military.
——————
Indian Drone strikes include Lahore Sheikhupura, Sialkot, Gujranwala,Narowal & Chakwal. 6 cities in Pakistan Hit by Drones.
Indian 🇮🇳Harop took out Pakroach LY80 Radar system in LAHORE
SEED operation!#IndiaPakistanWar#OperationSindoor #lahore #IndiaPakistanTensions pic.twitter.com/iL64EFZ2mz— Himalayanboy (@himalayanboyy) May 8, 2025
“Pakistan’s aggression was reckless. We responded decisively by degrading their air surveillance capability to prevent further threats,” said a senior Indian defense official.
ALSO READ: Nine Pakistan Cities Rocked by Multiple Blasts
Targeted and Restrained Response
Indian authorities stressed the retaliatory strikes were surgically aimed at military assets, avoiding civilian areas to prevent escalation. The government reiterated that its operations remain focused on dismantling terror networks linked to groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, which it accuses Pakistan of harboring.
“Our priority is the safety of Indian citizens and the elimination of terrorism at its roots,” the official added.
Advanced Threats and Defense
Pakistan’s deployment of loitering munitions reflects a growing reliance on asymmetric warfare tools. These drones can loiter over target zones and self-destruct upon identifying radar or personnel. Debris recovered in Punjab included fragments of a Chinese-origin PL-15E missile, suggesting potential external support for Pakistan’s operations.
Indian drones in Lahore, Sindh, Karachi, Rawalpindi, even near airports, military establishments- Pak Air Defence in Shatters… Public in Panic pic.twitter.com/8pWGxY4XI0
— NewsSpectrumAnalyzer (The News Updates 🗞️) (@Bharat_Analyzer) May 8, 2025
ALSO READ: Bloodshed in Balochistan: BLA Kills 14 Pakistan Soldiers
“This raises red flags about who is supplying Pakistan with such advanced technology,” noted Dr. Anjali Sharma, a New Delhi-based defense analyst.
Social Media and On-the-Ground Evidence
Visuals of drone debris and interception streaks flooded X (formerly Twitter) soon after the attack. Locals near Amritsar and Pathankot reported explosions and flashes in the sky as IAF defense batteries engaged incoming threats. Authorities remain on high alert and have urged border residents to report suspicious sightings.
International Watch and Diplomatic Moves
India has briefed allies, including the United States and key European partners, sharing evidence of Pakistan’s airspace violation and foreign-origin weaponry. Meanwhile, Islamabad has issued no official statement, though social media accounts from Pakistan dismissed the events as “Indian propaganda.”
Despite provocations, New Delhi emphasized it seeks regional stability and peace through strength, warning Pakistan against continued hostilities.
“Pakistan must now choose: peace through dialogue or provocation through escalation,” the defense official concluded.
