How India's swift response, modern tech crushed Pakistan's drone and missile attack

Akash played a key role as the IAF activated its Integrated Counter UAS Grid to thwart the attacks

In a coordinated military response, India on the intervening night of Wednesday and Thursday foiled Pakistan’s attempted drone and missile strikes on 15 Indian cities.

According to the Indian Army, Pakistan launched a wave of aerial attacks on the night of May 7–8, attempting to strike Indian military installations in Northern and Western India.

The actions came after India under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched Operation Sindoor on Wednesday following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. Operation Sindoor destroyed 9 terrorist camps across Pakistan within 25 minutes.

Here is a look at how the Centre fortified its defence capabilities.

Rapid response

According to government sources, India’s rapid, coordinated response showcased the strength of its air defence ecosystem. It was built over the past 11 years under the leadership of PM Modi.

Since 2014, the Modi government has systematically upgraded India’s air defence architecture.

Aerial shield

Government sources said the Integrated Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Grid, S-400 Triumf systems, Barak-8 missiles, Akash Surface-to-Air Missiles, and DRDO’s anti -drone technologies together create an aerial shield that held firm.

Operation Sindoor saw the Indian armed forces strike deep into Pakistani territory, destroying a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence unit in Lahore and damaging key radar infrastructure.

According to government sources, key acquisitions and developments under Modi government are as follows:

•Rs 35,000 crore deal for five S-400 Triumf squadrons, signed in 2018

•Deployment of Barak-8 Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM), $2.5 billion deal signed in 2017 with Israel. It now actively guards frontline bases like Bhatinda.

•Indigenous Akash missile batteries and DRDO-developed counter-drone systems

•Man Portable Counter Drone Systems (MPCDS) to jam and disable hostile UAVs installed in 2024

Use of Indian tech

Operation Sindoor also marked the combat debut of loitering munitions— suicidal drones ordered in 2021 and manufactured in India.

Loitering munitions, or 'kamikaze drones,' are equipped with explosives. Unlike a conventional missile that follows a set path and target, these drones can scout the area, collect valuable information, and decide whether to strike.

Additionally, Israeli-origin Harop drones—now locally built—were deployed to target and destroy air defence assets in Karachi and Lahore. These platforms, combined with the strategic deployment of Rafale fighter jets equipped with SCALP and HAMMER missiles, helped boost India’s surgical precision.

Government sources said the Modi government’s approach to defence has “not been about flashy one-offs”. The focus has been about building a resilient, multi-layered ecosystem. India, currently operates a tech-driven airspace defence network capable of detecting, jamming, and eliminating threats before they breach.

“Operation Sindoor sent a clear message: India is not just capable of defending its skies—it now controls them,” government sources told News18.