Tensions Rise as S-400 Systems and HARPY Drones Used in India-Pakistan Exchange
In a significant escalation of hostilities, India's Russian-made S-400 defense systems successfully intercepted 15 missiles fired by Pakistan targeting Indian cities late last night and into the early hours of the morning, according to sources familiar with the situation. This high-stakes defense initiative was followed by the deployment of Israeli-manufactured HARPY drones, which were utilized to incapacitate Pakistani air defense radars, including strategic installations near Lahore.
Sources from the news agency ANI disclosed that the Indian Air Force engaged the S-400 missile systems to neutralize 'moving targets' that were headed towards Indian jurisdiction. These targets were effectively eliminated, ensuring no damage to Indian cities.
In a calculated countermeasure, India employed HARPY drones to disable Pakistan's air defense infrastructure. This deployment comes amidst reports of Pakistani forces allegedly targeting military installations across 15 northern and western Indian cities, spanning areas such as Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Gujarat.
Government officials have stated that the missile attacks were part of a broader Pakistani effort to strike at Indian military capabilities. However, Indian defenses thwarted these attempts, subsequently disabling Pakistani air defense systems in retaliation.
Authorities are now collecting debris from the downed drones and missiles. This material is expected to support India's longstanding claims that Pakistan is directly involved in fostering cross-border terrorism, providing both financial backing and military training to extremist elements.
The recent surge in conflict follows closely on the heels of Operation Sindoor, India's robust military response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals, predominantly civilians. In this operation, Indian forces targeted nine terror bases located in Pakistan and Pakistani-administered Kashmir, reportedly neutralizing over 100 militants.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh briefed opposition leaders on these developments, highlighting the strategic destruction of terror infrastructure.
HARPY Drones
HARPY drones, designed primarily for attacking radar systems, play a crucial role in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD). With a high-explosive payload, these drones can autonomously detect and destroy radiation-emitting targets, striking from diverse angles using both shallow and steep dive profiles. These assets are capable of conducting deep-strike missions, operating day and night for durations extending to nine hours.
S-400 Missile Defense System
The S-400, referred to by India as 'Sudharshan Chakra,' is capable of tracking incoming missiles from distances of up to 600 kilometers and intercepting them within a 400-kilometer range. An Indo-Russian agreement, valued at Rs 35,000 crore, secured five S-400 squadrons for India. Three of these squadrons have been delivered and are currently operational along the Pakistani and Chinese borders. However, the delivery of the remaining two squadrons has experienced delays due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as noted by sources last year.
This exchange marks a new phase of heightened military readiness between the two neighboring nations, underscoring persistent regional tensions.