Retaliatory Firestorm: Pakistan has launched missiles and drones at Indian military bases in Jammu, marking a major escalation in the wake of India’s Operation Sindoor airstrikes. Indian defense systems intercepted most incoming threats.
BY PC Bureau
Pakistan Retaliates with Missile and Drone Strikes on Jammu Military Targets After India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’; India Responds with Air Defense and Retaliatory Strikes
Jammu, India – 10:34 PM IST, Thursday, May 8, 2025 – In a dramatic and rapidly escalating crisis following India’s cross-border ‘Operation Sindoor’, Pakistan launched a coordinated barrage of missile and drone attacks late Thursday night, targeting key military installations and strategic infrastructure in the Jammu region. India swiftly activated its air defense systems, successfully intercepting the majority of the incoming threats, and launched retaliatory strikes targeting Pakistani air defense assets.
At least eight missiles and several loitering drones struck areas in Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, commencing Pakistan’s retaliatory action. The dual-use Jammu airstrip and army stations in Pathankot (Punjab) and Udhampur were specifically targeted, according to defense officials. The attacks triggered widespread panic, blackouts across the region and parts of neighboring states, and the blaring of air raid sirens in Jammu and Kashmir.
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India’s integrated air defense network, featuring the advanced S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and indigenous Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS), immediately engaged the incoming threats. These systems effectively tracked and neutralized all eight missiles and several drones mid-air. Two Pakistani drones were reportedly downed near Jammu University, with debris recovered from various locations. Indian artillery units also responded with retaliatory fire in the Samba sector. Initial reports indicated no Indian military casualties from the aerial attacks.
🚨BIG BREAKING
Pakistani drones target Jammu – Air Raid Sirens ON , complete blackout imposed , air defence system activated
Jammu Airport and army base is the target, several drones intercepted and destroyed by Indian Air Defence system.
Pakistan has chosen War , so be it… pic.twitter.com/cYeFemtJOB
— Amitabh Chaudhary (@MithilaWaala) May 8, 2025
Pakistan’s aggressive actions are a direct consequence of India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, a precision airstrike targeting nine alleged terror launchpads inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. India stated that those strikes aimed to dismantle infrastructure belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in response to the devastating April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 civilians.
In a swift and decisive response to Pakistan’s aggression, India mounted a multi-pronged strategy. Alongside the effective activation of its air defense systems, which thwarted significant damage, the Indian Armed Forces launched retaliatory precision strikes targeting Pakistani air defense radars and systems at multiple locations, including Lahore. Sources indicated the use of S-400 missiles against “moving targets” and HARPY drones to neutralize Pakistani radar capabilities.
The Ministry of Defence issued a strong statement condemning Pakistan’s “unprovoked aggression” and reiterated that India’s response would be “suitable.” While emphasizing a commitment to non-escalation contingent on Pakistan reciprocating, India has demonstrably shown its resolve to protect its territory and respond forcefully.
Jammu under attack by Pakistani drones
-Air Raid Sirens on
-Interception activated
-Blackouts
-Airport appears to be the targetJammu City India
SAM like object fired…
Firing on IB too… pic.twitter.com/fCSXiJy2bY— The BRICS News (@thebricsnews) May 8, 2025
Following the attacks, India heightened security measures across the border region, including blackouts in sensitive areas, increased border patrols, and enhanced security at airports nationwide. The Prime Minister convened a high-level security review, and an all-party meeting was called to forge a united national response.
The international community, including the United Nations and various world leaders, has urgently called for restraint from both New Delhi and Islamabad. However, with both nations engaged in direct military actions and exhibiting a firm stance, fears are escalating that the region is teetering on the brink of a wider and more dangerous conflict.