S. B. Srinivas

India and Pakistan can veer off from the brink of an all-out war. But the path to de-escalation is obstructed by a singular figure: the Jihadi General

India's air defence systems, crucial for protecting against aerial threats, include the S-400, Barak-8, and Akash missiles. Pakistan, heavily reliant on Chinese arms, has inducted HQ-9 series long-range surface-to-air missiles. The Harpy drone, an Israeli-made loitering munition, can target enemy air defences autonomously by detecting radar emissions, posing a threat to these systems.

India has accused Pakistan of endangering civilian lives by using passenger planes as shields during a failed drone and missile attack on May 7. Indian officials stated that Pakistan kept its airspace open, using civilian airliners as cover, despite knowing India would retaliate.

Amidst rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, the IPL 2025 has been suspended for a week. A video surfaced showing Delhi Capitals players, including KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, relaxing in Uttarakhand. The BCCI cited national security concerns and stakeholder interests as reasons for the suspension following recent events.

Thursday [May 8] was a day of intense fighting between the two nuclear-armed neighbours with attacks and counter-attacks using drones and missiles. India took out Lahore air defence in response to Pak’s foiled bid to hit 15 sites in north and west. By evening, skies in multiple Indian cities, including Jammu, Jaisalmer and Amritsar, lit up with India’s air defence system intercepting and destroying swarms of Pakistani drones and missiles

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In a significant escalation, Indian armed forces successfully intercepted and neutralized over 50 swarm drones launched by Pakistan along the Line of Control and International Borders on May 8-9, 2025. The coordinated drone attacks and ceasefire violations were met with a robust response, utilizing advanced air defense systems.

India responded firmly to Pakistan's drone and artillery attacks on May 7 and 8, as confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs. Pakistan initiated large-scale airspace violations, deploying hundreds of drones across the LoC and International Border. Indian forces retaliated with targeted drone strikes, destroying a Pakistani AD radar.