The Air Force used pilotless target aircraft to provoke Pakistani radars and air defence systems into action. Once they were activated, India deployed drones to disable and damage those systems. This move paved the way for further missile attacks using BrahMos and Scalp cruise missiles.
In a powerful counter-strike, India launched around 15 BrahMos missiles and other precision weapons on the night of May 9-10, targeting key Pakistani airbases. The operation, carried out by the Indian Air Force (IAF), damaged 11 out of Pakistan’s 13 major airbases, delivering a significant blow to the country’s air defence network and military infrastructure.
The strikes came after Pakistan attempted to attack several military targets in northern and western India during the night of May 7-8 using drones and missiles. Areas targeted included Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Ludhiana, and Bhuj. However, India’s Integrated Air Defence systems successfully detected and neutralised all threats.
In response, the Indian Armed Forces launched coordinated attacks the next morning, targeting Pakistani air defence radars, including one in Lahore. On the night of May 9-10, the IAF intensified its response by hitting high-value Pakistani air force infrastructure.
According to sources, the Indian Air Force used pilotless target aircraft to provoke Pakistani radars and air defence systems into action. Once they were activated, India deployed Harop kamikaze drones to disable and damage those systems. This move paved the way for further missile attacks using BrahMos and Scalp cruise missiles.
Aircraft carrying these missiles took off from various bases under India’s Western and South Western Air Commands. The attacks struck critical locations, including a hangar in Sindh where Pakistan reportedly lost important equipment, including UAVs and an airborne surveillance aircraft.
Following the strikes, the Pakistan Air Force was forced to move its aircraft to rear bases due to the extent of damage.
The operation, overseen by the Chief of Defence Staff, saw the BrahMos missile chosen as the primary weapon on the advice of the National Security Advisor. The use of BrahMos was seen as a strong signal of India’s military capabilities.
ABOUT BRAHMOS MISSILES
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during the recent inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow, confirmed the use of the missile in these strikes. “If you didn’t witness the BrahMos in action, ask the people of Pakistan,” he said.
BrahMos is a long-range supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. Known for its speed and accuracy, the missile operates on the ‘Fire and Forget’ principle. It can reach speeds close to Mach 3 and strike targets up to 290 km away with high precision.
