Amritsar: In a remarkable display of readiness and resilience, India’s armed forces successfully thwarted a major Pakistani air assault aimed at critical locations in Punjab, including the revered Golden Temple in Amritsar. The coordinated attack, involving drones and long-range missiles, was neutralised by India’s robust air defence network.
The Indian Army’s Air Defence units, equipped with advanced systems such as the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, played a decisive role in preventing any damage during the early hours of May 8. The military showcased its preparedness and technological edge during a demonstration held earlier this week.
Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15 Infantry Division, confirmed that intelligence reports had warned of possible Pakistani strikes on both military and civilian targets, including religious landmarks. “Among the identified targets, the Golden Temple emerged as the most significant. Anticipating this, we deployed additional air defence assets to create a protective shield around the temple,” he stated.
According to Major General Seshadri, the attack was launched under the cover of darkness and consisted of unmanned aerial vehicles and missiles directed at strategic and symbolic targets. “Our forces were on high alert. Every incoming threat was intercepted, ensuring the Golden Temple remained unharmed,” he said.
The attack came in the wake of the Pahalgam terror strike, which claimed the lives of several innocent tourists. In response, the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, a cross-border military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure deep inside Pakistani territory.
Major General Seshadri revealed that the punitive strikes hit nine terrorist training camps, with seven destroyed solely by the Indian Army. Key locations such as Muridke, near Lahore—home to Lashkar-e-Taiba’s headquarters—and Bahawalpur, the base of Jaish-e-Mohammed, were struck with surgical precision.
“These strikes were limited strictly to terrorist infrastructure. No Pakistani military or civilian assets were targeted, and we made that clear in our official communication post-operation,” he added.
The recent conflict highlighted the effectiveness of India’s integrated air defence systems, which successfully intercepted a variety of airborne threats, including drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions. The success has further cemented India’s air defence capabilities as a model of operational excellence on the global stage.
