In the early hours of May 8, Pakistan launched a significant aerial assault targeting multiple locations in India, with the Golden Temple in Amritsar among the primary targets. This attack followed India’s precise retaliatory strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor. The Indian Army’s well-coordinated and technologically advanced air defence network successfully intercepted and neutralized Pakistan’s drones and long-range missiles, preventing any damage to the sacred Golden Temple and other cities in Punjab.
Robust Air Defence Systems Guard the Golden Temple
The Indian Army employed a sophisticated air defence grid combining multiple weapons and systems to protect key civilian and military sites. Major General Kartik C Seshadri, commanding an infantry division in Amritsar, confirmed that credible intelligence had warned of the Golden Temple being a prime target in this massive air assault. The Army’s quick response utilized a range of defence mechanisms, including the Akash missile system and L-70 air defence guns, to counter the attack.
The Akash missile system, developed by Bharat Electronics Ltd, is a medium-range, surface-to-air missile system known for its mobility and real-time multi-sensor data processing. It can engage multiple targets simultaneously from any direction using phased array radar guidance. Alongside this, the L-70 air defence guns, equipped with advanced fire control systems and optical sights, played a crucial role in tracking and shooting down incoming threats. Together, these systems ensured the Golden Temple remained untouched despite the heavy onslaught of drones and missiles.
Comprehensive Defence Across Punjab and Beyond
On May 7, Pakistan attempted to strike several towns and cities across India’s western border, including Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, and others. The Indian air defence grid, integrating capabilities of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, operated seamlessly to neutralize these threats. The arsenal included the highly capable S-400 missile system, medium-range Barak 8 surface-to-air missiles, Pechora air defence systems, Spyder quick-reaction missiles, and upgraded gun systems like the L-70 and Zu-23-2B. This layered defence ensured that every aerial threat was intercepted, safeguarding civilian populations and critical infrastructure.
These developments came in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, India’s precise retaliatory strikes on terror camps deep inside Pakistan, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters. The operation targeted nine terror camps, killing over 100 terrorists and escalating tensions that led to Pakistan’s aerial response, which the Indian military foiled with its advanced air defence readiness.
