Game of Drones: How India and Pakistan have become entangled in a drone war

On the night of May 8, Pakistan sent a slew of drones across the border with several places in Jammu as the target. This came after Islamabad earlier on Thursday tried to hit over a dozen locations in western and northern India in response to Operation Sindoor. India, meanwhile, said it foiled these attacks and neutralised an air defence system in Lahore read more
Things have escalated between Indian and Pakistan over the past few days.
The two countries now find themselves in a drone war.
Last night, Pakistan sent a slew of drones across the border with several places in Jammu as the target.
This came after Pakistan tried to hit over a dozen locations in western and northern India in response to India's Operation Sindoor.
India, meanwhile, said it had neutralised an air defence system in Lahore.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
But what happened? What do experts say?
Let's take a closer look
What is India saying?
As per The Guardian, India on Thursday said it had foiled missile and drone attacks by Pakistan on Jammu, Punjab and Rajasthan.
Locals in Jammu witnessed missiles and drones flying over the city.
Jammu also saw a city-wide blackout.
India said it had activated anti-drone systems near the border.
ANI reported that Pakistan had targetted Jammu with 'loitering munitions' drones.
The Indian Army, meanwhile, said it had intercepted eight missiles in aimed at different locations across Jammu.
India also said Pakistan tried to target its airbase in Punjab.
Locals in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Bikaner also witnessed missiles in the sky and heard shelling.
Missiles streak across the city sky, in Jammu on Thursday. PTI
India said it had neutralised all the missiles and drones from Pakistan.
This development came hours after India said it had neutralised a Pakistani air defence system in Lahore.
'Today morning Indian Armed Forces targeted Air Defence Radars and systems at a number of locations in Pakistan. Indian response has been in the same domain with same intensity as Pakistan,' the ministry's statement read, as per Al Jazeera. 'It has been reliably learnt that an Air Defence system at Lahore has been neutralised.'
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
'Any attack on military targets in India will invite a suitable response,' India added as per The Guardian.
India hours earlier said Islamabad had 'attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India' but was foiled.
India said Pakistan had tried to target Awantipora, Srinagar, Jammu, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarla and Bhuj.
'On the night of May 7-8, Pakistan attempted to engage a number of military targets in Northern and Western India including Awantipura, Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Kapurthala, Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Adampur, Bhatinda, Chandigarh, Nal, Phalodi, Uttarlai, and Bhuj, using drones and missiles. These were neutralised by the Integrated Counter UAS Grid and Air Defence systems. The debris of these attacks is now being recovered from a number of locations that prove the Pakistani attacks,' the statement read.
India used the S-400 system to down the missiles and drones.
What is Pakistan saying?
Pakistan accused India of sending a wave of drones overnight.
Pakistan claimed India sent drones to Lahore, Gujranwala, Chakwal, Rawalpindi, Attock, Nankana Sahib, Bahawalpur, Miano, Chor, Ghotki and Karachi
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Pakistani army spokesman Lieutenant General Ahmad Sharif Chaudhry claimed India had used the Israeli-made Harop drones against Pakistan.
These drones, also known as loitering munitions, are made by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
'Last night, India showed another act of aggression by sending drones to multiple locations,' Chaudhry said as per Hindustan Times. 'One managed to engage in a military target near Lahore.'
As per Al Jazeera, Chaudhry accused India of 'naked aggression' and a 'serious provocation.'
Pakistani investigators examine a cordoned off site where Pakistan's air defense system shot down a suspected Indian drone in Karachi. AP
'It appears that India has apparently lost the plot and, rather than going on a path of rationality, is further escalating in a highly charged environment. Pakistan Armed Forces remain fully vigilant to any type of threat,' Chaudhry added.
As per The Guardian, Pakistan also denied it had launched attacks on India early on Thursday.
A military spokesperson called such claims 'phantom strikes'.
Speaking to the the newspaper, a senior Pakistani security official said, 'The offensive response will come now.'
What do experts say?
BBC pointed out that this is the first time that the two nations have conducted large-scale drone attacks on each other.
The outlets said things have taken a dangerous turn and the fact that Indian drones managed to reach that far into Pakistan would have come as an unpleasant surprise to Islamabad.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
'Probably, using the drones may be less expensive than using exorbitantly priced state-of-the-art fighter jets. If the drone warfare continues, then it's likely to cause further disruptions and anger on both sides,' the outlet noted.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Time of India

34 minutes ago

• Time of India

Delhi raises a toast to Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg

Ambassador of Luxembourg Peggy Frantzen with chief guest Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), MEA A gathering of diplomats and friends of the Embassy of Luxembourg came together at The Imperial, New Delhi, to celebrate the National Day of Luxembourg. The evening was filled with stimulating conversations and camaraderie over fine food and drinks. Celebrated to mark the official birthday of the Grand Duke of Luxembourg, the National Day reception began on a ceremonial note with the playing of the national anthems of both nations. Relationship of steel In her welcome address, Ambassador Peggy Frantzen said, "The National Day celebrations of 2025 are special, as it is the last one under the current head of state, Grand Duke Henri. This year also marks the completion of his 25 years of reign." Adding, she said, "I hope more people get to know about the friendly and amicable long-time relationship between India and Luxembourg. Cultural ties are evolving, with many artists travelling to showcase their talents, thereby strengthening people-to-people links. Our cooperation in the steel sector started over a 100 years ago and remains an important link and strong base of the India-Luxembourg relationship." by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Ambassador of European Union Hervé Delphin and Ambassador of Ireland Kevin Kelly Tanmaya Lal, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs, who was the chief guest, said, "We send our warmest greetings to His Royal Highness and the people of Luxembourg. From the steel sector, which has been a core strength for a long time, our relationship with Luxembourg has expanded in investment and manufacturing in the fields of IT, fintech, and space. Culturally, with a large population of Indians in Luxembourg, many Indian festivals are celebrated there enthusiastically. " German Ambassador Philipp Ackermann and Swiss Ambassador Maya Tissafi Both the Ambassador and the chief guest remembered the late modernist artist Amarnath Sehgal, who played a pivotal role in cementing the artistic linkages and "promoting cultural understanding" between the two countries. VN Dalmia with the Ambassador of Japan ONO Keiichi As guests mingled, conversations ranged from art and culture to outer space, with many talking about the traditional savoury pie, Rieslingspaschtéit, that was served to the guests. Traditional rieslingspaschtéit and one of Amarnath Sehgal's sculptors On a lighter note, the Ambassador said that she is thankful that this summer in Delhi was a bearable one. "Compared to last summer, it was better this year. I am glad I can go out more and enjoy my walks in Lodhi Garden." Ukrainian Ambassador Dr. Oleksandr Polishchuk and Ambassador of Estonia Marje Luup

United News of India

an hour ago

• United News of India

PM Modi receives call from Iran President; calls for de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy

New Delhi, June 22 (UNI) Amid the US joining the Israeli attacks on Iran, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today received a call from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian who briefed him on the current situation. PM Modi, while expressing concern at the escalation, called for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward for restoration of regional peace and security. In a post on X, the PM said: 'Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. 'We discussed in detail about the current situation. 'Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.' A readout of the call, said that PM Modi 'received a telephone call from the President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian today'. "President Pezeshkian briefed PM in detail and shared his perspective on the current situation in the region, especially the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel. "PM expressed India's deep concern at the recent escalations. PM conveyed that India was on the side of peace and humanity. In this context, PM emphasised the need for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward. He reiterated India's support for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability. 'Prime Minister thanked President Pezeshkian for the continued support being extended for safe return and repatriation of the Indian community. The two leaders reiterated shared commitment to continue to work for strengthening bilateral cooperation in different areas including trade and economic cooperation, Science & Technology and people-to-people ties. 'They agreed to remain in touch.' The call between the two leaders came as US President Donald Trump said he had 'obliterated' Iran's main nuclear sites in strikes overnight, joining an Israeli assault in a major new escalation of conflict in the Middle East, even as Tehran vowed to defend itself. Iran termed the US attack a grave violation of international law that would have 'everlasting consequences'. 'Iran reserves all options to defend its sovereignty, interest and people,' wrote Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi in a social media post, noting that the Israeli and US attacks on Iran came despite ongoing talks between Washington and Tehran. UNI RN

Time of India

an hour ago

• Time of India

Third language row: Some are playing politics, says Shinde

Mumbai: Four days after a govt resolution (GR) said Hindi will not be mandatory as the third language for state board Marathi- and English-medium schools from Classes 1-5, deputy CM Eknath Shinde on Sunday said some were indulging in politics over the issue despite clarifications from CM Devendra Fadnavis and education minister Dada Bhuse. He asserted that students can learn a language of their choice. As per the GR, students are free to choose any Indian language as the third language, but in-class learning will be offered only if there are at least 20 students, else those classes will be held online. Shinde said for local body polls, Mahayuti parties will fight together, as they did in LS and assembly polls. He said he maintains good ties with MNS chief Raj Thackeray and there was nothing political about it. Shinde rebutted claims that the Marathi Rangbhoomi Dalan (Marathi theatre hub) project announced by the MVA govt in 2021 has been "secretly cancelled". —Chaitanya Marpakwar