In a dramatic escalation between nuclear-armed neighbours, India successfully intercepted Pakistani missile and drone attacks targeting 15 strategic Indian cities on the night of May 7–8, 2025. The attempted assault followed India’s precise airstrikes under Operation Sindoor that targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
In a swift and decisive counteraction, India retaliated by destroying Pakistan’s air defence radar system in Lahore, significantly weakening its aerial monitoring capabilities.
🎯 Quick Highlights: What Happened
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Date of Incident: Night of May 7–8, 2025
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India's Operation: Operation Sindoor (9 terror camps hit in Pak & PoK)
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Pakistani Response: Attempted missile & drone attacks on 15 Indian cities
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Indian Counter: Full interception of threats + targeted strike on Lahore’s defence system
🗺️ List of 15 Indian Cities Targeted by Pakistan
| # | City/Area | State/Union Territory | Type of Threat |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Awantipura | Jammu & Kashmir | Loitering Munitions / UAVs |
| 2 | Srinagar | Jammu & Kashmir | UAVs / Missiles |
| 3 | Jammu | Jammu & Kashmir | Ballistic Missiles |
| 4 | Pathankot | Punjab | Ballistic Missiles |
| 5 | Amritsar | Punjab | Drones & Cruise Missiles |
| 6 | Kapurthala | Punjab | Loitering Munitions |
| 7 | Jalandhar | Punjab | UAVs |
| 8 | Ludhiana | Punjab | Drone Swarm Attempt |
| 9 | Adampur (Airbase) | Punjab | Military Base Strike Attempt |
| 10 | Bhatinda | Punjab | Missile Attempt |
| 11 | Chandigarh | UT / Punjab-Haryana Border | Drone Intrusion Attempt |
| 12 | Nal (Airbase) | Rajasthan | UAV & Missile Combo Attempt |
| 13 | Phalodi | Rajasthan | Drones |
| 14 | Uttarlai (Barmer) | Rajasthan | Cruise Missile Threat |
| 15 | Bhuj | Gujarat | Long-range Missile Attempt |
🛡️ How India Defended the Skies
India’s air defence and anti-drone infrastructure worked in perfect coordination, ensuring zero damage from the attempted strikes. Here's how:
🔰 Air Defence Systems Deployed
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S-400 Triumf: Deployed in northwestern zones (Punjab–J&K), intercepted long-range threats
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Akash & Spyder Missiles: Short to medium range surface-to-air systems protecting airbases
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Integrated Counter-UAS Grid ("Sudarshan Chakra"): For neutralising drones and swarm threats
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DRDO Laser-Based Systems: Used to neutralise low-altitude UAVs
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Radar Jamming Systems: Disrupted enemy guidance systems mid-flight
“Our integrated air defence successfully intercepted all threats before they reached critical airspace.” — Indian Defence Spokesperson
🎯 India’s Retaliatory Strike on Lahore
In response, the Indian Air Force launched precision strikes targeting Pakistan’s key radar and air defence systems in Lahore. This move was both:
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Strategic: Crippled Pakistan’s surveillance and target-locking capability
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Symbolic: A direct signal against future provocations
"The radar station near Lahore was neutralised using standoff precision-guided munitions," confirmed senior defence officials.
⏱️ Timeline of Escalation
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| April 22, 2025 | Pahalgam terror attack kills 26 Indian tourists |
| May 7, 2025 | India launches Operation Sindoor, hits 9 terror camps |
| May 8, 2025 | Pakistan attempts retaliation on 15 Indian cities |
| May 8, 2025 (AM) | India intercepts attacks, retaliates, destroys Lahore air defence |
