In an alarming escalation of hostilities, Indian authorities reported that between 300 and 400 drones were deployed from Pakistan into Indian airspace on the night of May 8, 2025. These drones targeted multiple military installations across northern and western India, including strategic locations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) responded swiftly, utilizing its advanced S-400 "Sudarshan" missile defense systems to intercept and neutralize the aerial threats. This marked the first combat deployment of the S-400 systems, which successfully thwarted the majority of the incoming drones and missiles.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the attacks were effectively countered, resulting in no casualties or significant damage. However, the sheer scale of the drone incursion has raised serious concerns about the evolving nature of cross-border threats and the need for enhanced surveillance and defense capabilities.
Pakistan has denied any involvement in the drone attacks, dismissing India's allegations as unfounded and politically motivated. In turn, Pakistan accused India of violating its airspace with drones, claiming to have intercepted several Indian UAVs.
This incident follows India's recent "Operation Sindoor," a series of precision strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and Punjab province, conducted in retaliation for the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.
The international community, including the United States, Russia, and China, has expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Calls for restraint and diplomatic engagement have intensified, with global leaders urging both nations to avoid further escalation and seek peaceful resolutions to their disputes.
As the situation remains volatile, India's defense establishment is reportedly reviewing its counter-drone strategies and exploring the acquisition of advanced technologies to bolster its aerial defense systems. The recent events underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address the growing threat of drone warfare in the region.