New Delhi: In a strong military response to Pakistan’s drone attacks, Indian air defence systems intercepted and destroyed over 600 enemy drones during Operation Sindoor. The drone strikes came after India targeted terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).
More than 600 Pakistani drones were shot down by India during Operation Sindoor, defence officials said. The drones were launched by the Pakistan Army in retaliation for India’s precision airstrikes on May 7, which targeted terror camps in Pakistan and PoK.
India launched the operation after a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22. The attack killed 26 civilians, mostly tourists. In response, Indian forces hit multiple terror hubs across the border.
Massive Drone Barrage from Pakistan
Soon after India’s strike, Pakistan launched drone attacks on major Indian cities. These included Jaisalmer, Amritsar, Srinagar, and Baramulla. The aim was to cause panic and destruction inside Indian territory.
India’s Air Defence Shield Activated
In response, India deployed a massive air defence shield. Over 1,000 anti-aircraft guns were positioned along the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB). More than 750 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems were also activated.
The backbone of this defence was the Akash Tir system, which worked with the Air Force’s Integrated Aerial Command and Control System (IACCS). These systems tracked and relayed information about every incoming aerial threat to the right defence units.
How It Worked
The Akash Tir system detected drones and missiles the moment they entered Indian airspace. It sent instant alerts to command centres. The IACCS recommended which weapon system should be used to intercept the target.
This quick, automated decision-making helped neutralize most threats before they could cause damage.
Key Weapons Used:
L-70 Guns: First bought from Sweden in the 1970s. These guns can fire over 300 rounds per minute and hit targets up to 4 km away. Modern upgrades allow them to operate at night with precision.
Zu-23mm Guns: Russian-made twin-barrel guns with a combined rate of up to 4,000 rounds per minute. These are effective up to 2.5 km and are operated manually.
Shilka Gun System: A mobile platform fitted with twin Zu-23mm guns. This system can fire up to 8,000 rounds per minute and move across all types of terrain.
Ceasefire Agreed
On May 10, just days after the intense drone warfare, Pakistan reached out to India for peace talks. Military-level discussions followed, and both sides agreed to a ceasefire across the border.
Operation Sindoor Outcome
The operation not only demonstrated India’s ability to hit back at terrorism but also showcased its powerful air defence system. Defence sources called the operation a success, noting that no major Indian city suffered damage despite the heavy drone attacks.
Tags: #OperationSindoor #IndiaPakistanTensions #DroneWarfare #AkashTir #IndianArmy #AirDefence #Ceasefire