India vs Pakistan: Drone Strikes Target Major Pakistani Cities, Air Defense System in Lahore Destroyed

Tensions have escalated sharply between India and Pakistan following a series of drone strikes that targeted key Pakistani cities early Thursday morning. In a retaliatory move under Operation Sindoor Phase 2, the Indian Army launched coordinated drone attacks that reportedly hit strategic locations across Pakistan, including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur.

According to official sources, these drone strikes were a response to continuous ceasefire violations and cross-border aggression from Pakistan. The Indian offensive marks a significant escalation in the long-standing conflict, with Islamabad confirming that its air defense systems had come under attack.

Multiple Cities Targeted

Dozens of Indian drones reportedly penetrated Pakistani airspace, carrying out strikes on at least nine critical regions—Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, Attock, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, and Chor. In Lahore, explosions near the airport prompted the immediate closure of the facility, followed by a nationwide shutdown of airports except for Karachi. High alert has been declared in Islamabad and Lahore, while war sirens have been sounded in other major cities.

Air Defense Systems Neutralized

Indian drones specifically targeted Pakistan’s Chinese-made HQ-9 air defense systems deployed around Lahore. The targeted strikes reportedly resulted in the destruction of these systems, compromising Pakistan's aerial defense capabilities. The Indian Ministry of Defence later confirmed the successful neutralization of the defense infrastructure.

Background: Operation Sindoor

The latest strikes follow Operation Sindoor, an earlier Indian military operation that dismantled terrorist camps along the border. Over 100 militants were reportedly neutralized during that phase. Despite the stern warning, Pakistan continued shelling along the border, prompting India to escalate its response with Operation Sindoor Phase 2.

Kamikaze Drones: India’s Strategic Edge

The Indian Army employed indigenously developed kamikaze drones for these missions. Designed by the National Aerospace Laboratories and powered by ISRO’s NavIC navigation system, these drones can evade enemy radar and defense systems. With a range of up to 1,000 kilometers and a payload capacity of 30–40 kg, these drones are considered a game changer in modern warfare.

Each drone weighs approximately 120 kg, measures 2.8 meters in length, and features a 3.5-meter wingspan, making them agile and deadly in precision strikes.

Retaliation for Prior Attacks

This latest military action is seen as a tit-for-tat response after Pakistan attempted missile and drone attacks on Indian territory. India’s S-400 defense system successfully intercepted those threats, with debris from a Pakistani missile found in Amritsar, Punjab.

High-Profile Casualty Reported

Unconfirmed reports suggest that Abdul Rauf Azhar, the brother of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar and a key figure behind the Kandahar hijacking, may have been killed in these latest Indian strikes. His death, if confirmed, would mark a significant counter-terrorism success for Indian forces.