The indigenously developed Akash surface-to-air missile system played a critical role in repelling multiple Pakistani drone attacks targeting Indian military assets along the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) during the night of May 8 and 9, defence officials confirmed on Friday.
According to officials, both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force had deployed the Akash air defence system across key locations along the Pakistan border. “The Made-in-India Akash missile system was effectively used by the Indian armed forces in foiling Pakistani attacks on Indian targets. It has been deployed along the entire Pakistan border,” a defence official said.
The Akash system, designed for medium-range area defence, is capable of neutralising multiple airborne threats simultaneously. It uses command guidance and phased array radar to intercept enemy targets and can be operated in autonomous or group modes. Its real-time multi-sensor data processing and high mobility make it a versatile asset in combat zones.
The Indian Army confirmed that Pakistan launched multiple drone and munition-based attacks along the western front and LoC in Jammu and Kashmir during the night. “Pakistani Armed Forces launched multiple attacks using drones and other munitions across the Western Border and committed several ceasefire violations. The drone threats were effectively repulsed, and a befitting response was given to the CFVs,” the Army said in a statement.
It added that the Indian Army remains “committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation,” and all “nefarious designs will be responded to with force.”
Earlier on Thursday, over 50 Pakistani drones were shot down in a coordinated counter-drone operation along the LoC and International Border (IB), sources told ANI. The Indian Armed Forces also thwarted a major attempt by Pakistan to target Indian military installations across Northern and Western India during the night of May 7–8.
As part of the response, Indian forces reportedly neutralised an air defence system stationed in Lahore, delivering a major blow to Pakistan’s aerial defence capabilities.
(With ANI inputs)