India intercepts Pakistani missiles and drones targeting Jammu amid escalating tensions

In a significant escalation of hostilities, India intercepted multiple Pakistani missiles and drones targeting key locations in and around Jammu on May 8, 2025. The Indian Air Force and Army deployed high-readiness defence systems to neutralise the threat, as explosions near Jammu airport triggered alarms across the region. According to Indian defence sources, the situation is now under control after eight missiles and a swarm of drones were shot down mid-air.

What Happened Near Jammu Airport?

The incident began around dawn when an explosion was reported near the technical area of Jammu airport, prompting immediate activation of air raid sirens. Simultaneously, the city experienced a sudden power outage as emergency protocols were triggered across the Union Territory. Intelligence indicated that a Pakistani F-16 fighter jet had taken off from Sargodha Air Base and approached the Line of Control. Indian forces claim that the aircraft was intercepted and neutralised before it could breach Indian airspace.

Reports from Indian defence authorities indicated that a coordinated attack was launched by Pakistan using multiple drones and missiles aimed at Jammu and adjoining civilian areas. Defence units deployed Akash and S-400 air defence systems to intercept the incoming projectiles. The missiles were destroyed over Jammu, RS Pura, and nearby sectors, with at least six explosions reported during the engagement. These explosions, however, were linked to intercepted debris and not to successful strikes by enemy projectiles.

How Did India Respond to the Airspace Violation?

In response to the aggression, Indian air defence units operated with full coordination between the Army’s Air Defence Command and the Indian Air Force’s missile defence platforms. The S-400 Triumf missile system, acquired from Russia, and domestically developed Akash systems were immediately activated under wartime readiness protocol. Defence sources confirmed that the systems intercepted all eight missiles and neutralised multiple drones before any of them could cause structural damage or civilian casualties.

The Indian Air Force also scrambled its Su-30MKI and Rafale jets to monitor potential airspace incursions. Though the F-16’s downing has not been independently confirmed, defence sources suggest that the aircraft did not return to Pakistani territory, and aerial surveillance continued into the afternoon.

Is This Linked to Operation Sindoor?

The latest missile and drone assault follows India’s Operation Sindoor, launched earlier this week in retaliation for the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 Indian civilians. Operation Sindoor saw Indian armed forces conduct joint strikes on Pakistan-administered terror launchpads in Neelum Valley, Kotli, and Balakot, among other locations. Intelligence agencies had reportedly confirmed the presence of Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba operatives at these sites.

Pakistan, while denying any involvement in the Pahalgam attack, vowed retaliation against India’s cross-border strikes. Analysts have suggested that the current missile barrage over Jammu may be a calculated response to those earlier Indian operations. However, Indian defence officials reiterated that India retains the right to respond proportionately and decisively to any external aggression.

What Was the Civilian Impact?

Despite the scale of the attack, there were no casualties or serious injuries reported. Indian defence spokespersons credited the integrated missile defence systems and early warning infrastructure for preventing civilian losses. However, panic briefly gripped residents in Jammu, RS Pura, and other adjacent localities as air raid sirens echoed and blackout conditions added to uncertainty.

Schools were suspended for the day, and flights from Jammu airport were temporarily halted. Normalcy was restored by the afternoon, but additional security forces have been deployed across the region. Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and Jammu & Kashmir Police conducted area sanitisation drills in multiple neighbourhoods.

What Are the Geopolitical Implications?

The missile attack marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between two nuclear-armed neighbours. India has conveyed its concerns to key global partners, including the United States, Russia, and members of the United Nations Security Council. New Delhi maintains that it will not initiate conflict but will defend its sovereignty with full force if provoked.

Pakistan’s government has not officially acknowledged launching the missile or drone strike, although some statements from military-affiliated social media handles have hinted at a “reciprocal operation.” The Pakistani Foreign Office has also claimed to have “downed Indian drones” along the LoC, a claim India has not confirmed.

International reactions have been swift. The U.S. State Department urged both sides to avoid further escalation and maintain dialogue. The United Nations Secretary-General issued a statement calling for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.

How Are Defence Analysts Interpreting This Escalation?

Military experts suggest that Pakistan’s decision to target civilian infrastructure such as Jammu airport may be aimed at demonstrating retaliatory capability following Operation Sindoor. However, the failure to breach Indian defences may diminish any intended psychological or strategic impact.

Defence analysts in India believe the effectiveness of the S-400 and Akash systems in this engagement could strengthen India’s case for expanding its missile defence shield across other border regions. The Indian Armed Forces are also expected to upgrade their counter-drone systems, as swarm attacks are likely to be a recurring tactic in future conflicts.

Former Northern Army Command officials have indicated that India’s future response will likely be shaped by ongoing intelligence reviews, damage assessments, and real-time satellite surveillance of Pakistani airbases.

What Happens Next?

The Indian government has stated that it reserves the right to respond at a time and place of its choosing. Officials have warned Pakistan against further provocations and confirmed that India’s strategic command remains on high alert. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reportedly chaired a high-level review meeting with chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to assess the situation and recommend a calibrated response.

On the ground, India has bolstered security across sensitive installations, including defence airfields and communication hubs in Punjab, Ladakh, and Uttarakhand. Diplomatic channels remain open, but Indian officials have made it clear that New Delhi’s red lines have been crossed.

The events of May 8 underscore how quickly military engagements can escalate in the subcontinent. As both sides assess their next steps, regional stability hangs in the balance, with global powers watching closely.