India Neutralises Pakistani Air Defence System in Lahore

On 8th May 2025, a day after Operation Sindoor targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Indian Armed Forces neutralised an air defence system in Lahore following Pakistani attempts to strike Indian military bases.

Key Points

Air Defence System Explained: Designed to detect, track, and neutralise aerial threats such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones using radars, command centres, interceptor missiles, and EW systems.
How It Works:
- Detection: Utilises radar and sometimes satellites to identify threats.
- Tracking: Maintains a constant lock on the threat using sensors and radar.
- Interception: Engages the threat using missiles, guns, or EW measures based on threat type and range.
India’s Military Response: Neutralising a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore reflects India’s ability to conduct precision strikes deep within enemy territory, signalling strategic depth, capability, and a doctrine of restrained deterrence.
SEAD Operations: ‘Suppression of Enemy Air Defences’ (SEAD) involves neutralising radar and missile systems to establish air superiority—a tactic used in India’s latest retaliation.
Integrated Counter-UAS Grid: India’s layered air defence and counter-drone systems effectively thwarted Pakistan’s drone and missile attacks on cities like Jammu, Amritsar, Bhatinda, and Bhuj.
Focused, Measured, Non-Escalatory: India described its strikes as proportionate and limited to military targets, avoiding escalation while conveying deterrence.