Indian Defence officials have drawn a sharp comparison between Pakistan’s recent missile and drone attack on the Jammu region and the tactics used by Hamas during its assault on Israel in October 2023. The attack, reportedly involving multiple low-cost rockets and drone swarms, mirrors the high-volume, low-cost strategy Hamas employed to overwhelm Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system, raising alarms about a similar operational shift in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict.

According to military sources, Indian air defense systems successfully intercepted eight missiles targeting Jammu and surrounding areas. This incident occurred amid a broader wave of hostilities that saw the Indian Armed Forces activate the S-400 and Integrated Counter-UAS Grid along a vast 1,800 km stretch from Awantipora in Jammu and Kashmir to Bhuj in Gujarat. The systems neutralized an array of drones and rockets intended for 15 military installations, with debris falling in multiple locations, signaling the intensity of the thwarted offensive.

Defence analysts say Pakistan appears to be employing what they describe as a “Hamas playbook,” utilizing affordable, easily replicable weaponry to saturate and potentially outpace high-cost air defense systems. This tactic is believed to mimic Hamas’s 2023 rocket barrage, which resulted in over 1,200 civilian casualties in Israel and briefly overwhelmed the Iron Dome, according to the Institute for National Security Studies.

Indian officials link this change in approach to an escalation following Operation Sindoor—a series of precision strikes by Indian forces on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) on May 7–8. The operation reportedly destroyed nine terror camps and eliminated over 100 militants, according to The Times of India.

The Ministry of Defence has condemned Pakistan’s tactics as destabilizing and dangerous, warning that continued use of such asymmetric warfare methods will invite a strong and sustained response. Drawing parallels with Israel’s policy of swift retaliatory action against Hamas, Indian authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to national security and regional stability.

As tensions mount, security forces across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and bordering regions remain on high alert amid intelligence warnings of potential follow-up attacks. The evolving nature of the conflict underscores growing concerns about the militarization of irregular warfare tactics in South Asia.

In the wake of intensifying India-Pakistan hostilities, an emergency meeting has been scheduled today at the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) office in Odisha to review threat levels and bolster security at critical defence installations. The high-stakes session, convened by Eastern Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Dr. Satyajit Naik, is set for 2 PM and may shift to the secure Proof and Experimental Establishment (PXE) campus depending on logistical and security considerations.

The agenda focuses on safeguarding two major military facilities in Chandipur—the Integrated Test Range (ITR) and PXE—both of which are central to India’s missile and weapons testing capabilities. Security at these sites has been significantly tightened, with coordinated efforts between DRDO, local law enforcement, and coastal security agencies.

Senior officials from the district police and coastal forces will present current threat assessments and outline updated preparedness protocols. The Balasore Superintendent of Police has been instructed to ensure seamless coordination with DRDO teams, underscoring the urgency of unified defence planning amid the growing national threat environment.

The emergency meeting comes as Union Home Minister Amit Shah conducted late-night consultations in New Delhi with chiefs of India’s border and security forces, including the Border Security Force (BSF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). These discussions followed India’s targeted precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this week, which prompted a retaliatory—though unsuccessful—strike attempt by Pakistan on Thursday.

During the session, Shah received updates on the situation along international borders, particularly in the west and north, and assessed enhanced security protocols now in place. The BSF, ITBP, and SSB briefed on their respective frontlines with Pakistan, China, Nepal, and Bhutan. The Home Minister also reviewed strategic security at critical civilian infrastructures with the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), which has increased its alert level at airports, metro systems, and industrial hubs across the country.

These synchronized efforts across defence and civil agencies reflect a comprehensive national response to the heightened geopolitical tensions. The emergency meeting in Odisha is expected to further refine India’s readiness to protect key strategic assets amid ongoing regional instability.

In a high-stakes escalation following Pakistan’s attempted missile and drone strikes on Indian cities, India has reportedly shot down a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft. The interception took place over Pakistan’s Punjab province as part of India’s robust air defence response to the coordinated aerial assault launched by Pakistan earlier in the evening.

AWACS aircraft are vital to modern warfare, acting as airborne radar stations capable of tracking enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and other threats over vast distances. Unlike ground-based radars, AWACS systems are unaffected by the Earth’s curvature, giving them an extended field-of-view and the ability to guide fighter aircraft and coordinate air defence operations in real time.

Pakistan’s AWACS inventory has evolved over the years. In 2006, it acquired four Saab 2000 Erieye systems from Sweden, followed by four ZDK-03 aircraft from China in 2008. However, the Chinese systems were officially retired in 2024. Since then, Pakistan has added three more Saab Erieye aircraft to its fleet in 2017 and another three in 2020, making the Saab 2000 Erieye the likely model involved in the current incident.

The Saab 2000 Erieye AWACS is a high-end surveillance platform capable of covering more than 500,000 square kilometers and reaching altitudes over 60,000 feet. It can detect and track a wide variety of aerial targets, from fast-moving jets to low-flying helicopters and even small maritime craft. The Erieye’s advanced radar system delivers rapid updates and high-precision tracking, with a flight endurance of over nine hours and a range exceeding 3,700 kilometers.

The downing of such a critical surveillance asset is seen by defence experts as a major blow to Pakistan’s air defence capability, potentially disrupting its ability to coordinate aerial missions and maintain situational awareness during ongoing tensions.

On the Indian side, the Air Force operates five AWACS platforms: three Israeli EL/M-2090 Phalcon systems mounted on IL-76 heavy-lift aircraft, and two DRDO-developed Netra Mk-1 systems based on Embraer jets. These systems provide India with comprehensive radar coverage and early warning capabilities across different sectors.

As both nations remain on high alert following Operation Sindoor—India’s targeted response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack—the airspace over the subcontinent continues to reflect the fragility of regional security. With international attention focused on the unfolding crisis, the downing of Pakistan’s AWACS marks a significant shift in the strategic equation and underscores the evolving nature of aerial warfare in South Asia.

In a swift and decisive response, Indian air defence units successfully intercepted multiple Pakistani drones over the western frontier city of Jaisalmer on Thursday evening. The interceptions, which took place around 15:53 UTC, lit up the evening sky with flashes and explosions, signaling the intensity of the aerial engagement. On-ground reports from ANI journalists confirmed the live interceptions as they unfolded, underscoring the alertness and precision of India’s defence systems.

This escalation follows India’s recent launch of Operation Sindoor, a calibrated military strike executed early Wednesday targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation, which India described as “measured and non-escalatory,” neutralized nine key installations associated with proscribed terror outfits including Jaish-e-Mohammad and Lashkar-e-Taiba. The strikes were seen as a direct response to the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 Indian lives earlier this week.

In retaliation, Pakistan reportedly launched a series of drone and missile attacks aimed at Indian cities including Jaisalmer, Bikaner, and Jammu. However, Indian defence sources confirmed that eight Pakistani missiles, targeting sensitive locations such as Satwari (Jammu Airport), Samba, RS Pura, and Arnia, were intercepted by India’s integrated air defence grid. Officials compared Pakistan’s tactics to those of Hamas, citing the use of “cheap rockets” and indiscriminate targeting.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah praised the precision and restraint of India’s retaliatory efforts, while Col Sofya Qureshi, spokesperson for the Indian Army, confirmed the recovery of debris from neutralized drones and missiles in multiple zones. Security protocols have been significantly intensified in strategic districts like Phalodi, with the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security instructing all airports to enhance surveillance and safety measures.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department acknowledged the gravity of the situation, noting a diplomatic exchange between Secretary Marco Rubio and India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding the unfolding crisis.

With both nations locked in a cycle of strike and counter-strike, the region remains on edge. India’s armed forces are maintaining a high state of readiness, while the government continues to monitor developments closely. The latest confrontation underscores the volatile security dynamics along the India-Pakistan border and the persistent challenges in preventing conflict escalation.

Indian military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur came under attack today from Pakistani-origin drones and missiles, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence. The attacks, which occurred along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, were successfully neutralized using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic defense systems, with no casualties or material losses reported.

The Ministry of Defence emphasized that the Indian military is fully prepared to safeguard its sovereignty and protect its citizens, maintaining a firm stance against any further provocations. The attack coincides with rising tensions in the region following India’s recent military operation, “Operation Sindoor,” launched on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for a terrorist attack on April 22, which killed 26 civilians in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Operation Sindoor involved targeted strikes on nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

In response to the incoming threats, the Indian Air Force deployed the advanced S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defense systems, successfully neutralizing the missiles and drones. These defense systems, with a range of up to 400 kilometers, are strategically positioned to defend critical regions, including Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab, with additional units deployed to cover Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Pakistan, however, has denied any involvement in the attacks, with Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar rejecting India’s accusations. Meanwhile, Pakistan has reported casualties from Indian drone strikes, including the deaths of two civilians and the wounding of four soldiers in Lahore. Pakistani authorities claimed to have shot down several Indian drones, further escalating the confrontation.

The situation remains volatile, with both countries accusing each other of aggression. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India’s actions were a proportional response to cross-border terrorism, while Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif warned that retaliation was imminent. Diplomatic tensions are also rising, with India suspending its participation in the Indus Waters Treaty and closing the Attari-Wagah border crossing.

The international community has expressed concern over the growing risk of a full-scale conflict, with the U.S. Consulate in Lahore issuing a security alert for its personnel. As both nations prepare for potential further escalation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a high-level meeting to review national security preparedness and inter-ministerial coordination.

In a significant development amid rising Indo-Pak tensions, the Indian Army’s Air Defence Units shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. The incident was immediately followed by a heavy exchange of artillery fire between Indian and Pakistani forces, further intensifying an already volatile situation along the Line of Control (LoC).

The Naushera sector, situated in Rajouri district, has become a hotspot of military engagement in recent days. Defense sources confirmed that Indian troops responded swiftly to drone intrusions, neutralizing both aerial threats before they could cause harm. The Army described its response to the ensuing artillery fire as “calibrated,” emphasizing that it was provoked by a ceasefire violation from the Pakistani side. No immediate casualties were reported in this particular skirmish.

The confrontation occurred just days after India launched “Operation Sindoor,” a coordinated military campaign aimed at dismantling terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The operation, carried out on May 6 and 7, was a direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which left 26 tourists dead and drew national outrage. India has blamed the attack on Pakistan-backed militant groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba, a claim Pakistan denies.

Since the beginning of Operation Sindoor, violence along the LoC has sharply increased. At least 16 Indian civilians have reportedly died due to Pakistani shelling, while Islamabad claims 31 civilian casualties from Indian retaliatory strikes. Defense analysts view this cycle of violence as one of the most serious escalations since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.

On May 7, Pakistan’s military claimed it had shot down 29 Indian drones that had allegedly breached its airspace. Concurrently, India reported successfully intercepting multiple Pakistani drones and missiles targeting sensitive military zones in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. Unverified reports also suggest that a Pakistani pilot may have been captured after ejecting from a downed aircraft, possibly in the Akhnoor or Jaisalmer region, though neither country has officially commented.

Global concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation is growing. The United States, Russia, and the European Union have all issued statements condemning the violence and urging both sides to exercise restraint. Behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to prevent a full-scale war.

India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that any further military provocation from Pakistan would be treated as an escalation of hostilities. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar responded that Islamabad “reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing.”

The core of the conflict remains the long-standing territorial dispute over Kashmir, which both nations claim in full but administer in parts. The April 22 Pahalgam attack, the deadliest on civilians in Kashmir in over 20 years, has reignited tensions and prompted India’s latest military posture.

With military readiness heightened along the LoC, civilians in border areas are increasingly anxious. Reports of air raid sirens, sporadic explosions, and power outages in parts of Jammu city have added to public fear. Authorities have advised residents in vulnerable zones to remain indoors and prepare for emergency contingencies.

As both nuclear-armed neighbors inch closer to potential large-scale conflict, the international community continues to monitor developments with growing alarm, calling for immediate de-escalation and return to diplomatic dialogue.

The Border Security Force (BSF) successfully prevented a major infiltration attempt along the International Border in Samba district late Thursday night, amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. The incident occurred around 11:00 PM on May 8, when BSF personnel detected suspicious activity from across the border and responded swiftly to prevent unauthorized entry into Indian territory.

According to defence sources, BSF troops in the area were maintaining heightened alertness due to recent hostilities and acted promptly to counter the threat. While specific operational details such as the number of infiltrators or the nature of engagement have not been officially disclosed, officials confirmed that no breach of the border took place.

The attempted infiltration comes in the wake of intensified conflict following India’s launch of “Operation Sindoor” on May 7. The operation was initiated in direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 28 civilians. Under the operation, Indian Armed Forces carried out coordinated missile strikes on nine terrorist camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), targeting groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Earlier on May 8, India’s defence forces also intercepted multiple drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan targeting critical military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the attacks were neutralized using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means, with no casualties or material losses reported.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting on the same day with Director Generals of India’s border-guarding agencies to review the nation’s defensive posture. The review focused on the security preparedness of forces stationed along India’s borders, particularly in light of Pakistan’s expanded drone and missile offensive across regions including Samba, Satwari, RS Pura, Arnia, and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. Shah also held a separate meeting with the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to assess airport security nationwide as precautionary measures were intensified at key infrastructure sites.

The thwarted infiltration attempt in Samba adds to the long history of cross-border incursions in the region. According to data from the South Asia Terrorism Portal, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed 1,667 infiltration attempts between 2004 and 2023, including 74 in the previous year alone. Security experts warn that such incidents often increase following major counter-terror operations, and the situation along the border remains volatile.

With tensions at their highest in recent years, Indian security forces continue to operate in a state of heightened vigilance to prevent further escalation and safeguard national sovereignty.

In a dramatic escalation of cross-border tensions, a Pakistani Air Force jet was shot down by Indian air defence systems in the Pathankot sector of Punjab on Friday, multiple defence sources confirmed. The incident follows a sharp spike in hostilities between India and Pakistan triggered by the recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which left 28 civilians dead on April 22.

Although official confirmation from the Indian government is awaited, military sources suggest the downing of the Pakistani aircraft is linked to a broader series of retaliatory operations launched by India under the codename “Operation Sindoor”. Initiated on May 7, the operation has targeted nine terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), focusing on infrastructure linked to the banned groups Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Earlier on the same day, Indian forces also shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir during a heavy artillery exchange along the Line of Control (LoC). According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistan attempted to strike key military installations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur using missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles. All threats were reportedly neutralized by Indian air defence systems, and no casualties have been reported on the Indian side.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah convened a high-level security meeting on Thursday with top officials from India’s border guarding forces to assess the situation along India’s western frontiers. Shah also chaired a separate review of airport security with the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) amid heightened national alert levels.

In response to Pakistan’s failed missile and drone strikes on regions including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and even Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, India’s air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming projectiles. Military officials emphasized that standard operating procedures involving both kinetic and non-kinetic means were employed to counter the aggression.

The symbolic naming of “Operation Sindoor” has drawn attention, with the government stating that it reflects protection and honor—attributes tied to the cultural significance of sindoor in Indian society. The operation was launched with the intent of avenging the victims of the Pahalgam massacre, particularly after the image of grieving widow Himanshi Narwal became a national symbol of mourning. However, some feminist groups have questioned the appropriateness of using a culturally feminine symbol in a military context.

As tensions mount, the United Nations has called for “maximum restraint” from both nuclear-armed nations to prevent further escalation. Meanwhile, India has continued to demonstrate its readiness, with the Indian Navy conducting test missile strikes and Prime Minister Narendra Modi vowing to pursue the perpetrators “to the ends of the earth.”

Analysts note that the Pahalgam attack has dealt a severe blow to the Indian government’s narrative of reduced militancy in Kashmir since the revocation of the region’s special status in 2019. With both countries now on high alert, the region stands on the edge of a dangerous confrontation.