The ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan took a dangerous turn on the evening of May 9, 2025, as Indian air defence forces shot down six to eight Pakistani drones attempting to breach Indian airspace over Srinagar. The attempted incursion sparked widespread alarm and triggered a chain of defensive and emergency responses across Jammu and Kashmir as well as parts of Punjab.

Explosions were reported in Jammu shortly after the Indian military intercepted the drones, with Defence Ministry sources confirming the origin of the drones to be across the border. The situation further escalated as shelling from the Pakistani side was reported in Poonch, a region already prone to frequent cross-border hostilities. The shelling added to growing concerns that the conflict may expand into a broader military confrontation.

Meanwhile, in Punjab’s Pathankot and Ferozepur, loud explosive-like sounds were heard, prompting immediate blackouts across multiple districts as a precautionary measure. Air raid sirens blared across Ferozepur, Pathankot, Amritsar, and Hoshiarpur, signaling heightened alert levels and urging civilians to stay indoors. The coordinated blackouts and alerts reflect the seriousness with which authorities are treating the situation, anticipating the possibility of further aerial or missile threats.

Officials also confirmed that attempted drone strikes were aimed at critical military installations, including the Srinagar airport and the Awantipora air base in south Kashmir. These sensitive sites were under direct threat but were secured through timely action by Indian forces. In north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, additional drones were spotted and neutralized. The engagement lit up the night sky as interceptor missiles were launched to eliminate the airborne threats, underscoring the preparedness of India’s defence systems in the face of provocations.

This recent escalation follows an earlier failed attempt by the Pakistani military to target Indian defence installations using drones and missiles, suggesting a deliberate pattern of aggression. As both sides remain on high alert, the potential for further military engagement looms large. The Indian government has not yet issued an official statement on the full extent of the damage or casualties, if any, but internal sources indicate that defensive protocols have been intensified along the border.

The situation remains fluid, with tensions at a high not seen in recent years. Continued provocations from Pakistan through drone warfare signal a troubling evolution in cross-border tactics, moving from traditional firing to unmanned aerial threats. Authorities are urging citizens in border districts to remain vigilant and adhere to security advisories as the Indian military monitors further developments.