S-400 Missile Defence System: India Destroyed Pakistan Air Defence System

In a major news development on May 8, 2025, India’s state-of-the-art S-400 Missile defence system, named “Sudarshan Chakra,” was said to have foiled a big Pakistani bid to attack 15 Indian cities using missiles and drones. The attempted missile and drone attacks took place in the early morning hours of Thursday, the 8th of May, between around 1:10 AM and 1:20 AM above Punjab. Read this article to learn about how India destroyed Lahore’s Air Defence System.

India’s S-400 Missile Defence System Foils Pakistan’s Attempts To Target 15 Indian Cities

India’s air defence capabilities came into focus on Wednesday evening, late, as the Indian Air Force (IAF) S-400 Sudarshan Chakra air defence missile systems proved to be a game-changer in an attempt by Pakistan to escalate hostilities by targeting Indian locations.

Pakistan Targeted 15 Indian Cities

“On the evening of 07-08 May 2025, Pakistan tried to target several military targets in Northern and Western India such as Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj with drones and missiles,” the Defence Minister stated.

Pakistan had tried to target Indian military installations throughout north and west India, but Indian Integrated Counter-UAS Grid and Air Defence systems quickly targeted and destroyed the incoming threats. There were massive explosions heard throughout Punjab between 1:10 AM and 1:20 AM, and debris has been recovered with confirmation of mid-air interception. Subsequent power outages in some locations were resolved by the early morning.

Escalation Along the LoC

The Defence Ministry also reported that Pakistan has intensified its shelling across the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir with heavy artillery and mortars against civilian sectors in Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, Poonch, Mendhar, and Rajouri.

Unfortunately, 16 Indian civilians, three women and five children, have been killed as a result of this Pakistani firing. India responded with accurate strikes to silence the Pakistan artillery posts. Officials reaffirmed India’s non-escalation position, with any additional provocation to be responded to in the same strength but controlled intensity.

Also Read: All Eyes on Poonch Attack

India’s Response: India Destroys Pakistan Air Defence System

As retaliation, the Indian Armed Forces attacked Pakistani air defence radars and installations, such as major facilities in Lahore. According to sources, one of Pakistan’s HQ-9 air defence systems located in Lahore was successfully neutralised. India’s S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system shot down and destroyed several drones and missiles fired from Pakistan.

Indian Objectives

• To dismantle Pakistan’s capability to retaliate via air defence intercepts.
• To preemptively counter any drone or missile-based escalation by Pakistan.
• To disable radar and missile guidance systems, enabling Pakistani retaliation on Indian military bases.

India Neutralised Pakistan HQ-9 Air Defence System

India neutralised a Chinese-supplied HQ-9 air defence system located near Lahore, Pakistan. The system is comparable to the Russian S-300/S-400 and is Pakistan’s most advanced surface-to-air defence shield. Targeted elements included: Long-range radar installations, HQ-9 missile launcher vehicles, Command and control communication relay systems.

Cities Affected during India Attacks Pakistan

Blasts were reported in at least 9 major locations:

1. Karachi – Near port installations and cantonment zones.
2. Gujranwala – Explosions near a railway junction and local police headquarters.
3. Rawalpindi – Blasts near military logistics offices and cantonment areas.
4. Lahore – Security forces intercepted drones; explosions still occurred on the outskirts.
5. Bahawalpur – Close to a known Jaish-e-Mohammed stronghold.
6. Chakwal
7. Chhor – A military hub near the Indian border.
8. Mianwali – Airbase zone targeted.
9. Attock – Oil depots were reportedly damaged.

How It Was Executed

India used precision air-launched and ground-launched missiles, supported by:

• Electronic warfare aircraft
• Heron TP drones for real-time imagery and surveillance
• Stealth drones to jam radar systems before the strike

US Advisory

During the heightened tensions and India’s retaliatory attacks close to Lahore, the US Consulate General in Lahore ordered the American people to shelter-in-place or depart the city if it was safe.

This recent development represents a serious escalation in the conflict post-Operation Sindoor and highlights the pivotal importance of India’s sophisticated air defence systems in protecting its airspace and cities. The tension continues, with each side resorting to retaliatory measures and increased security along the border.

Also Read: Multiple Blasts Heard in Lahore

About India’s S-400 Missile Defence System: Sudarshan Chakra

The S-400 Missile Defence System, which reportedly goes by the moniker “Sudarshan Chakra” in the Indian military, is a Russian-made, cutting-edge, long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. It is regarded as one of the most advanced air defence systems in the world and forms a key component of India’s integrated air defence system.

The S-400 system can detect targets up to 600 kilometres and destroy them at distances of up to 400 kilometres. India has four squadrons of S-400 Sudarshan Chakra. One guards Jammu and Kashmir and Punjab from Pathankot, and another guards important locations in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Why S-400 Air Defence System Named Sudarshan Chakra?

The name is inspired by Hindu mythology, where the Sudarshan Chakra is a mighty revolving weapon wielded by Lord Vishnu. Likewise, the S-400 system is regarded as a mighty weapon in India’s defence arsenal, capable of quickly detecting and neutralising air threats.

Check here: List of Missiles of India

Key Features of S-400 Air Defence System

• Long-Range Capability: The S-400 is able to engage targets at ranges of up to 400 km and altitudes of up to 30 km, thus being able to defend large spaces against a range of threats.
• Multi-Target Tracking and Engagement: It can simultaneously track up to 100 targets and engage 36 at a time, including aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
• Multi-Missile System: The S-400 is equipped with four various missiles to provide a broad spectrum of threats and ranges: 40N6 (400 km), 48N6 (250 km), 9M96E2 (120 km), and 9M96E (40 km).
• Advanced Radar and Detection: It employs a mix of radars (phased array and AESA) that can detect stealth targets and low-flying threats, even in the presence of electronic countermeasures.
• Mobility and Rapid Deployment: The system is installed on mobile launch platforms, enabling rapid relocation and deployment, making it suitable for both offensive and defensive missions.
• Integrated Command and Control: The S-400 can be integrated into larger air defence systems and interoperates with other radar and missile systems to provide a layered defence approach.
• Counter-Stealth Capabilities: It is one of the only systems that can detect and engage stealth aircraft, including the F-35 and B-2 bombers.

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