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Indian Army Retaliates Strongly After Pakistani Drone and Missile Strikes Along LoC

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In a sharp escalation of hostilities, the Indian Army has launched a robust retaliation against Pakistani positions following a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting key military installations in the Jammu sector. Defense sources confirmed that the attacks originated from the Pakistan Army and involved both the Line of Control (LoC) and the International Border (IB).

According to the Ministry of Defence, multiple Pakistani-origin drones and eight missiles were aimed at strategic locations including Satwari, Samba, Ranbir Singh Pura, and Arnia in the Jammu region. All incoming missiles were successfully intercepted by Indian air defense systems, preventing casualties and damage to infrastructure.

The latest exchange of fire comes a day after a coordinated drone and missile assault on May 8 that rocked Jammu with loud explosions. This offensive is believed to be in retaliation for India’s cross-border operation—dubbed Operation Sindoor—which targeted nine terrorist infrastructure sites in Pakistan. That operation was launched in response to the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, which claimed the lives of 26 civilians.

Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, has warned of further retaliation, even as both sides continue to accuse each other of initiating the drone warfare. The ongoing tension underscores the deep-rooted conflict over the disputed Kashmir region, a flashpoint between the two nuclear-armed neighbors for decades.

In anticipation of further escalation, authorities have imposed a complete blackout in Indian-administered Kashmir, including Jammu city, and bolstered security deployments along the border. The situation remains tense and unpredictable, with both nations on high alert.

Pakistani Drone Attack Injures Family in Firozpur, Punjab

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In a grave escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, a Pakistani drone struck a residential neighborhood in Firozpur, Punjab, on Thursday, leaving a family injured and sparking renewed fears of a broader conflict. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, were immediately taken to a local hospital for treatment. Officials confirmed that the drone caused significant damage to the area, intensifying civilian safety concerns in border regions.

The attack comes amid a sharp uptick in cross-border hostilities, following a deadly terror strike in Jammu and Kashmir last week. Both nations have since been engaged in a flurry of retaliatory actions, including drone and missile deployments. India’s air defense systems reportedly intercepted multiple aerial threats over critical zones, including Pakistani cities Karachi and Lahore, as well as Jammu in northern India.

In response to the growing threat, Indian authorities have enforced blackouts and tightened security in sensitive border districts. Meanwhile, Pakistani defense sources have accused India of provocation, further inflaming the already fragile diplomatic climate.

Global powers have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation. The United Nations and several international stakeholders are urging both sides to exercise restraint, warning of the catastrophic consequences a full-scale conflict could bring between two nuclear-armed neighbors.

This latest drone strike highlights the enduring volatility of the Indo-Pak border, where decades of unresolved disputes have frequently flared into military standoffs. With civilians increasingly caught in the crossfire, diplomatic resolution remains both urgent and uncertain.

Pakistani Drones Again Spotted Over Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot

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Tensions along the India-Pakistan border have escalated sharply following the reported sighting of Pakistani drones over key sectors in Jammu, Samba, and Pathankot on Friday. Defence and security sources confirmed the drone activity, which comes amid heightened military exchanges between the two countries.

The drone sightings occurred near sensitive zones, including areas close to the strategically critical Pathankot airbase — a site previously targeted by cross-border attacks. The latest incident follows a loud explosion reported near Pathankot on May 8, after which precautionary blackouts were enforced in Punjab’s Pathankot and Amritsar districts. Meanwhile, in Rajasthan, schools near the international border were closed, mock drills were conducted, and evacuation protocols were activated.

The drone activity is part of a wider surge in hostilities. On May 8, Indian defence forces reported successfully intercepting eight missiles launched from Pakistan, which targeted multiple civilian and strategic zones including Jammu airport, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army employed its advanced S-400 air defence system to neutralize the incoming threats without reported casualties. Simultaneously, ceasefire violations and artillery exchanges were reported in Kupwara, Udhampur, and Pathankot.

These events follow India’s retaliatory missile strikes on May 7, targeting nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Among the high-profile targets were the Jaish-e-Mohammad base in Bahawalpur and Lashkar-e-Taiba facilities in Muridke. The strikes came in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, which Indian authorities have linked to Pakistan-based militant outfits.

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Historically, Pakistani drone intrusions have raised alarms for Indian border security. Border Security Force (BSF) records show a consistent rise in drone-related incidents, with 97 drone sightings reported in 2021 and over 100 recorded in the first seven months of 2022. While such drones are often used for smuggling and surveillance, incidents like the 2021 twin-drone attack on the Jammu Air Force Station signaled a shift toward more aggressive tactics.

India has since deployed counter-drone systems across border states and placed its forces on high alert. Authorities have issued shoot-on-sight orders for any hostile aerial or ground incursions, underlining the severity of the current security environment.

As the situation unfolds, concerns are growing over the potential for full-scale escalation between India and Pakistan, both nuclear-armed nations with a history of conflict. Diplomatic channels remain quiet amid the military posturing, and the international community is watching closely for signs of either de-escalation or deepening crisis.

Explosions in Samba Again, as India’s Air Defense Intercepts Pakistani Drones Amid Blackout

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In a recent escalation of tensions along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir, multiple explosions were reported in the Samba district following India’s air defense systems intercepting Pakistani drones. The incident occurred during a blackout, a tactical move likely intended to enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the defense mechanisms against such aerial threats. This event is part of a broader pattern of drone warfare between India and Pakistan, with both nations engaging in counter-drone operations.

The strategic importance of Jammu and Samba, situated near the volatile LoC, has been highlighted by these developments. The use of advanced air defense systems, such as the S-400, which India has deployed, underscores the military response to cross-border drone activities. This deployment is part of India’s effort to bolster its defensive capabilities against evolving security challenges, particularly in the context of recent hostilities.

The incident reflects the ongoing tensions and the complex military dynamics in the region, with both countries employing sophisticated technology to counter each other’s aerial incursions. The blackout and subsequent explosions are indicative of the heightened state of alertness and the strategic maneuvers being employed to maintain security along the border.

Pakistan Carried Out Multiple Violations of Indian Airspace Using “Civil Airliners as a Shield”

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India has leveled serious accusations against Pakistan following a wave of drone incursions and airspace violations that it claims were aimed at targeting Indian military sites across the western border. According to Indian officials, Pakistan deployed approximately 300 to 400 drones at 36 different locations, spanning from Leh to Sir Creek, on the night of May 8–9, 2025.

During a joint press briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs and Indian defense forces, Wing Commander Vyomika Singh of the Indian Air Force (IAF) stated that the drone incursion was a deliberate attempt to test India’s air defense capabilities and gather sensitive intelligence. More alarmingly, she accused Pakistan of employing civilian airliners as shields during the operation, while failing to close its civil airspace amid active hostilities—an action she termed “deeply irresponsible.”

The Indian military responded swiftly, using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic systems to neutralize the incoming drones. Preliminary forensic analysis revealed that many of the intercepted UAVs were Turkish-made Asisguard Songar drones, known for their real-time surveillance and strike capabilities. Singh further revealed that a Pakistani armed drone targeting the Bathinda military station was detected and destroyed before it could inflict damage.

In retaliation, India launched armed drone strikes against four Pakistani air defense sites, destroying at least one radar installation. These strikes came shortly after Operation Sindoor, India’s precision campaign launched in the early hours of May 7, which targeted nine terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The operation was a direct response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22 that left 26 civilians dead.

Since then, the LoC and the International Border have witnessed increased military action, with heavy shelling reported in Tangdhar, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, Rajouri, Akhnoor, and Udhampur. Indian Army personnel suffered casualties, and retaliatory strikes reportedly caused substantial losses on the Pakistani side.

Civilian areas were not spared either. A woman was killed and another injured during overnight shelling on May 8, which also triggered blackouts and air raid sirens in Jammu and surrounding villages, as residents endured a tense night filled with the sounds of artillery and air defense activity.

India took precautionary measures by closing its airspace and suspending operations at 28 airports nationwide. In contrast, Pakistan kept its civil airspace open, allowing commercial flights—including a Flynas Airbus A320 flying from Dammam to Lahore—to operate dangerously close to active military zones, raising alarms about aviation safety.

This incident marks another chapter in a broader trend of increasing drone intrusions along the India-Pakistan border. Data shows that drone sightings more than tripled from 2020 to 2022, with Indian officials repeatedly accusing Pakistan of using UAVs for smuggling weapons and narcotics.

As both nations continue their military posturing, the international community remains deeply concerned about the escalating conflict and the growing risk to civilian aviation and regional stability in South Asia.

Pakistan Used 500+ Turkish Drones to Target 24 Indian Cities

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In a dramatic escalation of border hostilities, India has reported a massive infiltration attempt by Pakistan involving approximately more than 500 drones across 24 strategic points along the western border. The incursions, which occurred during the night of May 7 and 8, also included heavy weapons fire across the Line of Control (LoC), signaling heightened military confrontation.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi of the Indian Army confirmed in a press briefing that these drones, many of which were neutralized using both kinetic (weapon-based) and non-kinetic (electronic warfare) measures, were likely intended to test India’s air defense capabilities and conduct surveillance. Preliminary forensic analysis has identified the downed UAVs as Songar drones—a Turkish-origin model developed by Asisguard, capable of real-time image transmission, threat engagement, and intelligence gathering.

This aggressive move follows India’s recent Operation Sindoor, a targeted military campaign against terrorist hideouts in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), initiated in response to a series of cross-border attacks. Military analysts view the drone offensive as a potential retaliatory maneuver or psychological operation designed to probe Indian response protocols.

The discovery of Turkish-made drones adds a complex international layer to the ongoing India-Pakistan tensions. Questions have arisen regarding the nature of Pakistan’s defense procurements and foreign support. India has signaled its intent to raise the issue diplomatically, even as the border situation remains volatile.

With both nations maintaining nuclear capabilities and a history of military confrontations, the international community has expressed deep concern. Analysts warn that such incidents could quickly spiral into a broader conflict if not managed with restraint and dialogue.

India continues to remain on high alert, reinforcing its surveillance and counter-drone infrastructure, while reiterating its commitment to national security and regional peace.

Completely Intact Chinese PL-15 Missile Found in India

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In a significant development with strategic and technological ramifications, debris from a Chinese PL-15E air-to-air missile was discovered in a field near Hoshiarpur, Punjab, on May 7. Indian authorities confirmed that the fragments belonged to the advanced export variant of China’s PL-15 missile, believed to have been fired by Pakistan during recent aerial skirmishes. The find has raised serious concerns for China about the possible compromise of sensitive military technology.

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The PL-15E, with a reported range of 145 km, is the export model of the longer-range PL-15 (estimated 200–300 km) used by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). It features sophisticated technologies such as an active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar seeker and a mid-course datalink system. Indian defense officials believe the missile was launched by a JF-17 Block III jet—a fighter co-developed by China and Pakistan that has increasingly become the mainstay of Pakistan’s aerial fleet.

Notably, defense experts observed that the missile debris lacked signs of an auto-destruct mechanism, a standard feature in many modern air-to-air missiles meant to prevent recovery by adversaries. The absence of such a safeguard could allow Indian scientists to examine key components of the missile’s seeker head, datalink capabilities, and propulsion system. Analysts say the incident represents a rare intelligence windfall for Indian defense laboratories, including the DRDO, which is currently developing advanced missile systems like the Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM).

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The discovery could also strain the long-standing defense relationship between China and Pakistan. Chinese officials may now be wary of exporting cutting-edge systems such as the J-35 stealth fighter to Pakistan due to the growing risk of technological exposure in active combat scenarios. Indian defense sources suggest that this revelation might delay or reduce the scope of future arms transfers from Beijing to Islamabad.

For India, the find is strategically significant. In addition to offering insight into Chinese missile engineering, it underscores the rising technological complexity of modern warfare in South Asia. The timing is particularly sensitive, following a series of escalatory military actions in April and May, including missile strikes under ‘Operation Sindoor’ and retaliatory Pakistani air operations across the Line of Control.

Global observers have expressed concern that the recovery of such advanced missile debris could intensify regional arms competition. While diplomats continue to call for restraint, the discovery in Hoshiarpur signals a new phase in the India-Pakistan-China triangle—one increasingly defined not just by troop movements, but by technological superiority and strategic deterrence.

India Activates 14 Territorial Army Battalions for Strategic Deployment Until 2028

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In a decisive step to bolster military preparedness, the Indian Ministry of Defence has formally activated 14 infantry battalions of the Territorial Army for strategic deployment across key military commands. The deployment, effective from February 10, 2025, through February 9, 2028, will see units stationed under the Northern, Western, and Eastern Commands, among others, reflecting India’s calibrated response to increasing geopolitical challenges.

The notification, signed by Major General G.S. Choudhry, was issued under Rule 33 of the Territorial Army Rules, 1948. It authorizes the Chief of the Army Staff to mobilize these battalions for essential guard duties, administrative roles, and operational support. Units are being assigned across the Central Command, Northern Command, Southern Command, Eastern Command, Western Command, Army Training Command (ARTRAC), and the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The financial responsibility for the deployment is to be borne by the respective ministries utilizing the Territorial Army services, excluding the Ministry of Defence.

This measure comes amid heightened security concerns on India’s borders, particularly with Pakistan and China. The April 2025 terror attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 civilians and security personnel, and the ongoing military vigilance post-Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, have prompted India to strengthen its forward presence. Military sources suggest that this deployment is both a deterrent and a support mechanism to ease the operational load on the regular army.

The Territorial Army, a volunteer reserve force established in 1920 and restructured in 1948, has historically played a key role in India’s defense architecture. It is often tasked with static and support duties, allowing the regular army to focus on high-intensity combat operations. Over the years, the force has contributed to internal security, counter-insurgency operations, and disaster relief.

This latest activation points to a broader doctrinal shift within India’s defense strategy, signaling the growing importance of layered, long-term deployment capabilities. The Northern Command is responsible for guarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China, while the Western Command oversees India’s frontlines with Pakistan. The Eastern Command focuses on the sensitive northeastern frontier, which includes strategic stretches of the LAC.

The deployment also coincides with broader organizational developments, including discussions around the formation of a new XVIII Corps under the Central Command, tasked with operations in the central LAC region. Additionally, reports of Pakistani claims about an impending Indian incursion following the Kashmir terror attack have added urgency to India’s military readiness.

While the deployment order is publicly available in the Gazette of India, it has sparked debate among defense analysts over India’s military posture and the increasing integration of reserve forces into frontline strategy. By activating the Territorial Army for a three-year tenure across multiple commands, India appears to be reinforcing its commitment to operational flexibility, strategic deterrence, and the protection of its territorial integrity in an evolving regional landscape.

Colonel Sofiya Qureshi Praised by Supreme Court: Know The Reason

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Type / to choose a blColonel Sofiya Qureshi, a distinguished officer of the Indian Army’s Corps of Signals, once hailed by the Supreme Court for breaking gender barriers, was among the key officials briefing the media on Operation Sindoor – India’s latest counter-terror offensive against Pakistan-based groups. Her presence at the National Media Centre alongside Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and IAF’s Wing Commander Vyomika Singh on May 7 symbolized the growing role of women in India’s defense leadership.

Col. Qureshi has long been a symbol of pioneering achievement in the armed forces. In a landmark 2020 judgment on granting Permanent Commission to women officers in the Indian Army, the Supreme Court referenced her exemplary service as proof of why women deserve full career parity. The court had called the blanket denial of command positions to women officers “indefensible” and recognized Col. Qureshi’s leadership in “Exercise Force 18,” a major multi-national military exercise hosted by India in 2016. She was the first female officer to lead an Indian Army contingent in such an event.

Her operational record spans a career of excellence and courage. In 2006, she served with the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where she helped monitor ceasefire violations and conducted humanitarian outreach in conflict zones. She has also taken part in flood relief operations in India’s Northeast, demonstrating her versatility as a frontline officer in both combat and humanitarian missions.

Born in Vadodara, Gujarat, in 1974, and holding a Master’s degree in biochemistry, Col. Qureshi’s academic and military credentials reflect her commitment to excellence. She was commissioned into the Army’s Corps of Signals and steadily rose through the ranks, becoming a role model for aspiring women officers.

The Supreme Court’s 2020 verdict, which opened the door for more women to gain Permanent Commission in the Army, cited her as an example of outstanding service. It emphasized that excluding women from leadership on the basis of gender ignored both their proven merit and the constitutional mandate for equality.

Her latest role in briefing the nation during Operation Sindoor only adds to her stature. The operation, launched in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, saw the Indian armed forces strike nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir using precision missile systems.

Col. Qureshi’s career continues to challenge outdated notions within the military hierarchy and beyond. As she stood on the dais this week, representing the strength and skill of India’s armed forces, she also stood as a testament to the transformative power of equal opportunity and the evolving face of Indian defense leadership.

Akash Air Defence System Effectively Used In Foiling Pakistani Attacks Towards Indian Targets

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In a major boost to its indigenous defense capabilities, India has deployed the Akash surface-to-air missile (SAM) system along its border with Pakistan to counter escalating aerial threats. Defence officials confirmed the system’s active role in repelling attempted Pakistani air and drone attacks in recent days, as tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations continue to rise.

Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash is a medium-range missile system capable of targeting aircraft, drones, and missiles within a 25-kilometer radius. With an operational kill probability of 98.5%, it has become a key component of India’s layered air defense grid. Both the Indian Army and Air Force have integrated the Akash into their strategies, securing a 2,000-square-kilometer airspace coverage along the western front.

According to military reports, on May 7, an Akash battery successfully shot down a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 Thunder jet that attempted to target Indian fighter aircraft in the Kashmir region. This marked one of the clearest demonstrations of the system’s effectiveness under combat conditions. The deployment complements India’s broader air defense architecture, including advanced systems like the Russian-made S-400, used in recent engagements to neutralize drones and missiles.

Inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2015, the Akash system is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), key players in India’s defense industry. With defense contracts valued around ₹28,800 crore (approximately $4.8 billion), the system is a flagship of the government’s Make in India initiative and its push for self-reliance in defense technology.

The Akash system is known for its ability to simultaneously track and destroy multiple targets. During Exercise Astrashakti 2023, it successfully intercepted four aerial targets in one engagement, solidifying its reputation as a force multiplier.

The latest deployment follows a series of cross-border hostilities. On May 8, Indian missile strikes reportedly resulted in 31 casualties across Pakistani territory, prompting retaliatory missile and drone launches by Pakistan. Indian air defenses, including Akash batteries, intercepted all incoming threats. There were no Indian casualties, though explosions were reported in cities such as Jammu, Jaisalmer, and Bikaner.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar responded firmly, stating, “If there are military attacks on us, there should be no doubt that it will be met with a very, very firm response.”

Internationally, the Akash system has begun to attract attention. The United Arab Emirates and the Philippine Navy have shown interest in the system, with a possible $200 million procurement deal under discussion in Manila, reflecting growing recognition of India’s defense export potential.

As regional tensions continue to simmer, the Akash missile system stands as a symbol of India’s evolving military readiness and technological self-sufficiency in the defense sector.