Heroic Shield: How India’s Air Defence System Triumphed to Protect Amritsar’s Sacred Golden Temple from a Pakistani Missile Attack
India’s Air Defence Systems have demonstrated remarkable effectiveness amid ongoing tensions with Pakistan, intercepting a range of aerial threats, including drones, missiles, and loitering munitions. This capability establishes them as a pivotal element in national security.
On Monday, the Indian Army showcased their air defence prowess through a demonstration involving systems like the AKASH missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns. This display highlighted their role in protecting critical sites such as the Golden Temple in Amritsar and cities throughout Punjab from potential Pakistani missile and drone strikes.
Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, General Officer Commanding of the 15 Infantry Division, spoke to the media, noting, “Given that the Pakistan Army lacks legitimate targets, we anticipated they would aim for both military and civilian installations, particularly religious sites. The Golden Temple emerged as a primary target.” To counter this threat, additional modern air defence assets were deployed to provide comprehensive protection to the sacred site.
General Seshadri further stated that Pakistan attempted air assaults utilizing aerial weaponry, including drones and long-range missiles, specifically targeting the Golden Temple. Indian air defence personnel were, however, well-prepared, decisively thwarting these assaults. “Our alert army air defence gunners successfully intercepted all aerial threats directed at the Golden Temple,” he asserted.
The Akashteer system has been heralded as “the sharp edge of India’s air defence.” The government described it as “an unseen wall that halted a wave of missile and drone attacks” during a particularly dangerous night of May 9th and 10th when Pakistan allegedly launched its most aggressive offensive against Indian military and civilian targets. As a fully indigenous, automated Air Defence Control and Reporting System, Akashteer effectively neutralized every incoming threat.
In comparing defence capabilities, India emphasized the superiority of its systems over Pakistan’s reliance on imported HQ-9 and HQ-16 systems, which reportedly failed to detect Indian operations. Akashteer plays a pivotal role in connecting the Indian Army’s Air Defence system with the Indian Air Force and Indian Navy, providing a real-time situational awareness of the battlefield and facilitating rapid countermeasures.
Amidst these developments, tensions escalated when the Pakistan military began firing across the border in response to India’s precision strikes against terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under Operation Sindoor on May 7. Allegations arose that Pakistan was utilizing drones and artillery to target religious sites, including the Shambhu Temple in Jammu and a Gurdwara in Poonch.
In retaliation for the attacks on May 7, 8, and 9, India launched drone operations aimed at neutralizing Pakistan’s air defence systems, particularly targeting Lahore’s air defence infrastructure. The Indian government reported that its air defence systems intercepted all incoming threats, resulting in minimal fatalities or property damage. “Conversely, Pakistan’s HQ-9 system has been exposed as inadequate,” stated a government release.
Following a series of precision strikes under Operation Sindoor that reportedly decimated crucial terror infrastructure in Pakistan and eliminated significant terrorist operatives, an agreement to halt hostilities between India and Pakistan was announced on May 10.
With these developments, India’s air defence capabilities continue to evolve, establishing a formidable stance in safeguarding national security and responding to external threats.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/india/how-indias-air-defence-system-saved-amritsars-golden-temple-from-pakistani-missile-11747632907828.html
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Publish Date: 2025-05-19 11:09:00
