India’s Air Defence Thwarts Pakistani Missile, Drone Attack on Golden Temple
India’s air defence forces successfully intercepted and neutralized all drones and missiles launched by Pakistan towards Amritsar’s Golden Temple on May 8, following Indian precision strikes on terror camps.
Major General Kartik C Seshadri, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 15th Infantry Division, confirmed on Monday that Pakistan launched a massive air assault involving drones and long-range missiles aimed at religious and civilian targets, including the Golden Temple.
“Knowing that the Pakistan Army lacks legitimate targets, we anticipated they would go after military installations and high-profile civilian locations. Of these, the Golden Temple appeared to be the most prominent,” said Maj Gen Seshadri.
He added that additional air defence assets were deployed around the shrine to create a “holistic umbrella” of protection, which ensured the sacred Sikh site remained untouched.
During a demonstration on Monday, the Indian Army showcased how its modern air defence systems, including the Akash missile system and L-70 Air Defence Guns, played a crucial role in neutralizing aerial threats.
The systems intercepted a range of threats — from drones to loitering munitions — during Pakistan’s retaliatory strike that followed India’s precision operations against terror infrastructure.
The attacks on Indian cities followed Operation Sindoor — India’s military response to terrorist threats emanating from across the border.
“Our strikes targeted nine terror hubs, including Lashkar-e-Tayyaba’s headquarters in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed’s base in Bahawalpur,” said Maj Gen Seshadri. “We made it clear that no Pakistani military or civilian infrastructure was targeted.”
The exchange marked one of the most intense military escalations in recent months, prompting widespread mobilisation of defence resources across Punjab and other northern states.
Pakistan’s attempted strike on the Golden Temple underscores the high-risk nature of the ongoing confrontation, with religious sanctuaries now under threat.
With the ceasefire currently holding, Indian officials emphasize continued vigilance. “We were fully prepared, and our alert gunners ensured not a single scratch came upon the Golden Temple,” Seshadri said, lauding the bravery of defence personnel.
