Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, India’s cutting-edge air defence systems demonstrated their formidable capabilities by intercepting multiple hostile projectiles, including drones, missiles, micro UAVs, and loitering munitions. These systems have now emerged as a globally recognized defence asset.
On Monday, the Indian Army revealed how its integrated air defence network—including the ‘AKASH missile system’ and ‘L-70 Air Defence Guns’—successfully protected the Golden Temple in Amritsar and other Punjab cities from Pakistani missile and drone attacks.
Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC of the 15 Infantry Division, stated: “Anticipating that Pakistan might target religious sites and civilian areas due to a lack of legitimate military targets, we identified the Golden Temple as a high-risk location. We deployed additional modern air defence assets to ensure complete protection.”
He confirmed that Pakistan launched an aerial assault using drones and long-range missiles, aiming at the Golden Temple. However, Indian air defence personnel detected and neutralized all threats, foiling Pakistan’s plans.
The Akashteer system, described as the “sharp edge of India’s air defence,” played a pivotal role in countering Pakistan’s attacks on May 9-10. This fully indigenous, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System intercepted and destroyed every incoming projectile.
A government release highlighted: “While Pakistan relied on imported HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, which failed to detect Indian strikes, Akashteer proved India’s dominance in real-time automated air defence warfare.” Akashteer seamlessly integrates with the Indian Air Force’s IACCS and the Navy’s TRIGUN, providing a real-time battlefield picture for swift countermeasures. Its vehicle-mounted, mobile design makes it ideal for active combat zones.
Following India’s Operation Sindoor (May 7), which struck terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK), Pakistan retaliated by shelling border areas and targeting religious sites, including:
Shambhu Temple (Jammu)
Gurdwara in Poonch
Christian convents
The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting stated: “These were not random attacks but a deliberate attempt to undermine India’s unity.”
In response to Pakistan’s aggression, India launched precision strikes, destroying nearly 20% of Pakistan’s air force infrastructure. Kamikaze drones were deployed to disable Lahore’s air defence systems. The government noted: “India’s air defence intercepted all threats with minimal damage, while Pakistan’s HQ-9 system was exposed as ineffective.”
India’s air defence systems have proven their superiority and reliability, safeguarding critical installations and civilian areas. With indigenous tech like Akashteer, India has established itself as a leader in modern aerial warfare, while Pakistan’s dependence on imported systems has left its defences vulnerable.