Indigenous Air Defence Systems Shine in Thwarting Pakistani Attacks
New Delhi, May 12 – India reaffirmed on Monday that all its military installations and systems remain fully operational and prepared to respond to any threat, following heightened tensions with Pakistan.At a press briefing in the capital, Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations of the Indian Air Force (IAF), emphasized the readiness of India's armed forces and highlighted the effectiveness of the country’s indigenous air defence capabilities.
"Our robust air defence network successfully thwarted Pakistani attempts to strike Indian installations," said Air Marshal Bharti, pointing specifically to the impressive performance of the indigenous Akash surface-to-air missile system. He added that the Integrated Air Command and Control System played a critical role in neutralizing Pakistani military offensives.
"Our mission was targeted at eliminating terror infrastructure and terrorists, but the Pakistan military chose to back them, thereby widening the conflict," Bharti stated.
Operation Sindoor: India's Retaliation to Pahalgam Attack
India launched Operation Sindoor in the early hours of May 7, targeting nine terrorist infrastructures located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This came as a direct retaliation to the deadly April 22 Pahalgam attack, which claimed several lives. All subsequent Indian military responses to Pakistani provocations were conducted under this operation.De-escalation Efforts Bring First Signs of Calm
According to a statement from the Indian Army, the night leading into Monday remained "largely peaceful" across Jammu and Kashmir and along the International Border. "No incidents have been reported, marking the first calm night in recent days," the statement noted.On Saturday, both India and Pakistan announced a mutual understanding to cease all forms of military engagement across land, air, and sea from 5 PM that day. The move marks a significant step toward de-escalation following days of intense cross-border hostilities.
Strategic Implications and Readiness
Despite the ceasefire, Indian defence forces have maintained full operational alert. The IAF’s assertion of preparedness underlines India's commitment to national security and its ability to deter and respond to threats, especially in the backdrop of asymmetric warfare involving state-supported terror groups.The strategic use of indigenous defence systems, such as the Akash missile and integrated command frameworks, has further strengthened India's self-reliant defence posture.
With both sides observing a tentative peace, attention now turns to whether this truce will hold and pave the way for broader diplomatic engagement.
