On the night of May 8, Pakistan launched an unprecedented swarm of drones targeting multiple Indian cities. The coordinated assault, which resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage-particularly in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district-prompted a firm but measured response from India.
Blackout in Jammu now. Sirens can be heard across the city. pic.twitter.com/TE0X2LYzQ8
— Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) May 9, 2025
Indian officials have emphasized that their actions are in direct reaction to Pakistan’s escalation, signaling a shift from previous restraint to a more robust defense posture.
Pakistan’s Drone Offensive
According to Indian Army sources, Pakistan deployed approximately 500 drones over a three-hour period, targeting 24 cities across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat. Many of these drones were identified as Turkish-made Asisguard Songar models, known for their surveillance and precision strike capabilities. The aerial assault was accompanied by missile launches, all of which were intercepted by India’s air defense systems, preventing further damage to critical installations.
Despite these defensive efforts, the attacks inflicted heavy losses. At least 15 civilians were killed in Poonch and Rajouri as Pakistani artillery and drones struck residential areas and civilian infrastructure, including schools and religious sites. The government has set up emergency hotlines, and authorities urged residents in the affected regions to remain indoors.
India’s Measured Response
India’s response, described by officials as both “measured and non-escalatory,” came in the form of targeted airstrikes and drone operations against Pakistani military infrastructure. Indian forces launched retaliatory strikes on four Pakistani air defense sites, successfully destroying at least one radar installation. Notably, Indian media and defense officials reported the destruction of a Chinese-supplied HQ-9B air defense system in Lahore, a key component of Pakistan’s aerial shield around its commercial hub. This marks a significant development, as the HQ-9B is considered the backbone of Pakistan’s air defense in the region.
Operation Sindoor, India’s codename for the ongoing military actions, was initially launched in response to a deadly terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 25 Indian and Nepali tourists. Indian officials have emphasized that their strikes have been limited to terrorist infrastructure and military assets directly involved in the escalation, reiterating that any attack on Indian military targets would invite a proportionate response.
Regional and International Implications
The current escalation is notable for its intensity and technological sophistication, with both sides employing advanced drones and air defense systems. Indian officials have underscored that their actions are strictly in reaction to Pakistani provocations, signaling a shift from earlier postures of restraint to a more assertive defense policy. This message is further reinforced by the successful neutralization of Pakistani aerial threats and the destruction of strategic air defense assets, indicating that India is prepared to respond robustly to any future incursions.
“There are no terrorist camps in Pakistan” says Pakistan’s Information Minister Attaullah Tatar.
— Yalda Hakim (@SkyYaldaHakim) May 7, 2025
I spoke to him as India fired missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory in several locations early Wednesday. India says it is targeting “terrorist infrastructure”. pic.twitter.com/3ZOEww5dkK
As diplomatic channels remain open but tense, regional observers are closely monitoring the situation, wary of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The Bhutanese government has yet to issue a formal statement, but the developments are being followed with concern in Thimphu and across the region.
