The Indian Air Force neutralised incoming Pakistani missiles with the Russian-made S-400 system and launched HARPY drones to disable key enemy radars, including one in Lahore.
New Delhi | May 8, 2025:
India activated its advanced S-400 Triumf missile defence system to intercept and destroy 15 missiles launched by Pakistan late Wednesday night, in what officials described as a coordinated aerial threat. In response, the Indian Air Force deployed Israeli-made HARPY drones to cripple enemy radar installations, successfully neutralising at least one air defence radar in Lahore, sources told news agency ANI.
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How India Responded to Pakistani Missiles
According to defence sources, the S-400 air defence platform, dubbed “Sudharshan Chakra” by the Indian military, was used to target moving aerial threats as they approached critical zones across northern and western India. All targets were successfully eliminated before they could reach populated or strategic areas.
Following this, HARPY drones, which specialize in Suppression of Enemy Air Defence (SEAD) operations, were deployed to hunt down and destroy Pakistani radar systems—a tactical move that rendered several of Islamabad’s defence zones blind.
What Are HARPY Drones?
The IAI HARPY is a loitering munition drone developed by Israel, capable of autonomously detecting and striking radar-emitting systems. Designed for deep-strike and night missions, it is effective in disabling enemy air defence grids, especially in conflict escalation zones.
Key features:
- Equipped with high-explosive payloads
- Capable of engaging targets from various attack angles
- Functions without constant human control, relying on onboard systems to locate and strike targets
S-400: India’s Aerial Shield
India’s S-400 Triumf, procured from Russia, is one of the most advanced missile defence systems globally, capable of:
- Detecting threats up to 600 km away
- Intercepting enemy missiles, drones, and aircraft within a 400 km radius
- Simultaneously tracking and engaging multiple threats
This is the first known instance of the S-400 being used in active combat conditions by India.
Strategic Implications
The swift deployment of both S-400 systems and HARPY drones showcases India’s layered air defence preparedness amid escalating tensions following Operation Sindoor, a precision airstrike campaign targeting terror camps in Pakistan and PoK. It also signals a firm escalation control strategy where retaliation remains proportionate, yet technologically superior.
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India Pakistan tensions, S-400 missile system, HARPY drone strike, Indian Air Force, Operation Sindoor, Lahore radar destroyed, Indian defence response, air defence systems, Pakistani missile strike, SEAD operations, India retaliation strategy, OperationSindoor,