Big jolt to Pakistan, India says ‘neutralised’ Lahore’s air defence radars, systems

Indian armed forces on Thursday (May 8) targeted air defence radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan, effectively inflicting damage on its air defence units and taking out an air defence system in Lahore, the government said in a statement.

The statement added that Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India overnight, including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles.

These attacks on Indian military facilities were neutralised by the Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems, the statement added.

As per sources, the S-400 defence system, procured from Russia, played an important role in neutralising these projectiles.

More from World News

Pakistan: After loud explosions, firing heard in Pakistan, causing panic among people Operation Sindoor: India avenges Pahalgam attack, Pakistan ‘authorises’ response; how world’s reacting

In response, India carried out attacks targeting Pakistan’s air defence units.

Harpy kamikaze drones used in strikes

According to sources, India used Israeli-developed Harpy kamikaze drones in these attacks.

The development comes a day after the Indian armed forces launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Indian forces reportedly eliminated over 100 terrorists in these strikes on nine terror sites.

According to sources, Pakistan’s HQ-9 missile defence system, made by China, was significantly damaged.

Earlier in the day, loud explosions were heard in the cities of Karachi and Lahore. The Pakistani side earlier claimed they shot down several Indian drones overnight.

“Pakistan has increased the intensity of its unprovoked firing across the Line of Control using Mortars and heavy calibre Artillery in areas in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar and Rajouri sectors in Jammu and Kashmir,” India’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

US Consulate General in Lahore issues advisory

Meanwhile, the US Consulate General in Lahore has issued an advisory, directing its personnel to seek shelter.

“Due to reports of drone explosions, downed drones, and possible airspace incursions in and near Lahore, the US Consulate General in Lahore has directed all consulate personnel to shelter-in-place. The Consulate has also received initial reports that authorities may be evacuating some areas adjacent to Lahore’s main airport.”

“US citizens who find themselves in an area of active conflict should leave if they can do so safely.  If it is not safe to leave, they should shelter-in-place”