In a dramatic and high-stakes military operation, the Indian Army successfully thwarted a large-scale aerial attack by Pakistan on May 8, targeting key installations and iconic religious landmarks in Punjab — including the Golden Temple in Amritsar.

May 8: Pakistan’s Massive Aerial Assault

In the early hours of May 8, Pakistan launched a coordinated drone and missile strike across the Punjab border, aiming at both military zones and civilian areas. Among the key targets was the Golden Temple, one of the holiest sites for Sikhs worldwide.

But India was ready.

Thanks to timely intelligence inputs, Indian Air Defence units had already activated high-alert status across the region. Units from the 15 Infantry Division, under the command of Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, sprang into action.

Indian Air Defence in Action

Armed with advanced systems like the AKASH surface-to-air missile system and upgraded L-70 air defence guns, the Indian Army quickly intercepted the hostile drones and projectiles mid-air.

“Among the primary targets identified was the Golden Temple. We mobilised air defence assets to ensure it was fully protected,” said Maj. Gen. Seshadri.

Live demonstrations of the air defence response have since been released, showing Indian Army units firing in synchronized coordination to neutralize multiple incoming threats.