India Launches Counter-Offensive After Pakistan’s Drone and Missile Attack; Blackouts Imposed Across Northern and Western Cities
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities late Thursday night, the Indian Armed Forces initiated a coordinated counter-offensive in response to a large-scale Pakistani drone and missile attack aimed at key military installations across India’s northern and western frontiers.
The offensive began after several unmanned aerial vehicles and projectiles launched from across the border were detected approaching critical Indian military assets in cities such as Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur.
Indian Cities Plunged Into Darkness Amid Air Threat
In anticipation of incoming threats and as a safety precaution, authorities ordered immediate blackouts in over 15 cities, spanning from Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir to Chandigarh, Mohali, and Bhuj in Gujarat.
Residents across these cities reported complete power outages, blaring sirens, and loud explosions, believed to be the sound of air defence systems intercepting drones and missiles.
The blackouts were imposed not only to protect civilians by reducing the visibility of potential targets but also to facilitate effective aerial tracking and engagement by defence systems. In Jammu, eyewitnesses described seeing flashes of light in the sky, followed by interception explosions, indicating successful neutralisation of airborne threats. The Jammu airport, a high-security zone, was reportedly among the primary targets.
Pakistan’s Coordinated Attack Draws Immediate Indian Military Response
The Pakistani assault came within hours of India’s earlier operation targeting Pakistan’s air defence capabilities. On Thursday morning, the Indian Ministry of Defence had confirmed that a Chinese-origin HQ-9 air defence system in Lahore had been “neutralised”, and several other radar installations were also struck across Pakistan in a precision military action.
In retaliation, Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile incursions, particularly targeting Indian defence installations in border states.
According to official Indian sources, dozens of Pakistani drones attempted to breach Indian airspace across the western border, but the Indian Armed Forces swiftly responded, activating their full-spectrum counter-drone and air defence protocols.
India’s Air Defence Systems Spring Into Action
To counter the aerial threat, the Indian Air Force activated its Integrated Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) Grid, supported by a wide array of advanced air defence systems.
These included the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, the Israeli Barak-8 MRSAM, and the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile systems. Together, they formed a protective umbrella over sensitive zones, ensuring rapid identification and neutralisation of hostile drones and missiles.
The Ministry of Defence later confirmed that the threat had been effectively neutralised using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. Kinetic means refer to physical destruction through weapon systems like missiles, while non-kinetic responses include electronic jamming, anti-drone nets, and radar spoofing technologies.
Border States Under Siege: Ground Realities
Ground reports revealed the gravity of the situation along the Line of Control and the International Border, particularly in the Akhnoor, Rajouri, and Poonch sectors of Jammu, which witnessed intense artillery shelling from the Pakistani side. These cross-border firings added to the atmosphere of uncertainty and fear in border villages.
Meanwhile, in Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the airport was placed on high alert, and air defence protocols were put in place well in advance. The city experienced a full blackout shortly before 10 PM, with citizens advised to remain indoors.
The state of Punjab also faced heightened threats, with multiple border districts — including Amritsar, Jalandhar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Hoshiarpur, Pathankot, Ferozepur, Fazilka, and Chandigarh — enforcing blackouts. Mohali and neighboring Panchkula followed suit, as did much of Kutch district in Gujarat, especially the strategic city of Bhuj.
In Rajasthan, residents of Jaisalmer and Bikaner reported spotting aerial objects, believed to be drones or missiles. The Border Security Force (BSF) confirmed that Pakistani drones had started entering Indian airspace but stressed that most were intercepted successfully without any damage or loss of life.
Central Government and Security Agencies on High Alert
As the situation developed, Union Home Minister Amit Shah personally contacted the Directors General (DGs) of key security agencies — CRPF, BSF, and SSB — to review the border situation. He instructed them to extend full support to local police forces and civilian administrations in dealing with any contingencies that may arise.
Additionally, Shah held discussions with the head of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to evaluate the security preparedness at Indian airports, many of which were reportedly high on the target list during the attacks.
Ongoing Vigilance and Response
BSF officials confirmed that drone and missile activity from the Pakistani side was ongoing, and Indian forces remained on high alert.
Complete blackouts remained in effect across multiple border zones, while aerial surveillance and countermeasure systems were actively monitoring the skies for fresh threats.
With the situation remaining volatile and the scale of the Pakistani incursion unprecedented in recent years, Indian defence forces continue to monitor and assess potential escalation, ensuring readiness for any further acts of aggression.
