New Delhi, May 8, 2025 – In a decisive counter-strike, the Indian Armed Forces successfully destroyed Pakistan’s Chinese-made HQ-9P air defence system in Lahore, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing military tensions between the two nations. The operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor”, was launched in response to Pakistan’s attempted drone and missile attacks on multiple Indian military installations.

Pakistan’s Failed Attack on Indian Military Targets

According to India’s Defence Ministry, Pakistan attempted to strike several key military locations across northern and western India on the night of May 7-8, 2025. The targeted areas included:

Operation Sindoor

Pakistan’s Bid to Escalate Negated- Proportionate Response by India.https://t.co/E6e65goX9R#OperationSindoor@DefenceMinIndia@SpokespersonMoD@HQ_IDS_India pic.twitter.com/mURL8hplRA

— ADG PI – INDIAN ARMY (@adgpi) May 8, 2025

• Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu (Jammu & Kashmir)

• Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh (Punjab & Haryana)

• Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, Bhuj (Rajasthan & Gujarat)

However, India’s Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence Systems effectively neutralized all incoming threats. Debris recovered from the attack sites confirmed Pakistan’s involvement.

India’s Retaliatory Strike: Lahore’s Air Defence System Destroyed

In a swift and calculated response, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Pakistan’s air defence radars and missile systems, including the HQ-9P and HQ-16 stationed in Lahore and Rawalpindi.

What is Pakistan’s HQ-9P Air Defence System?

• The HQ-9P is a Chinese-origin long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system, customized for Pakistan.

• It is considered the backbone of Pakistan’s multi-layered air defence network, similar to Russia’s S-300 and India’s S-400.

• The system is designed to intercept aircraft, drones, and ballistic missiles at ranges exceeding 200 km.

By neutralizing the HQ-9P in Lahore, India has significantly degraded Pakistan’s ability to detect and counter aerial threats, leaving key strategic locations vulnerable.

Operation Sindoor: India’s Response to Pahalgam Terror Attack

The latest military action follows India’s precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor. The operation was a direct response to the Pahalgam massacre on April 22, 2025, where 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists from The Resistance Front (TRF), a shadow group of Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT).

Key Strikes in Operation Sindoor:

• Bahawalpur (Punjab, Pakistan) – Stronghold of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM).

• Muzaffarabad, Kotli (PoK) – Training hubs of LeT and Hizbul Mujahideen.

• Sialkot, Barnala – Key infiltration launchpads.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that India’s actions were “measured and non-escalatory”, aimed solely at dismantling terror infrastructure.

Pakistan’s Escalation and Civilian Casualties

Following India’s strikes, Pakistan intensified unprovoked artillery shelling along the Line of Control (LoC) in:

• Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri (Kashmir)

• Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri (Jammu)

Tragically, 16 Indian civilians, including three women and five children, lost their lives due to Pakistani firing. The Indian Army retaliated strongly, forcing Pakistan to halt its attacks.

Global Reactions and India’s Stance

• United Nations Security Council (UNSC) condemned the Pahalgam attack, rejecting Pakistan’s attempts to shield TRF.

• New York Times altered its headline from “militants” to “terrorists” when reporting on Pakistan-based groups.

• India reiterated its commitment to de-escalation, provided Pakistan refrains from further aggression.

Conclusion: India’s Firm Stand Against Terrorism

India’s surgical strikes under Operation Sindoor and the subsequent neutralization of Pakistan’s air defence systems demonstrate the country’s military precision and resolve in combating cross-border terrorism. With enhanced counter-drone technology and air defence capabilities, India remains prepared to thwart any future threats while maintaining strategic restraint.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh affirmed, “We only target those who attack our innocents. India will not hesitate to act if provoked further.”

As tensions persist, the international community watches closely, urging Pakistan to dismantle terror networks operating from its soil.

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