Over 600 Pakistani drones shot down by India under Operation Sindoor

India’s air defence forces have successfully intercepted and destroyed over 600 Pakistani drones during Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives earlier this month. The Pakistani military had attempted to target several Indian border cities using drones between May 7 and 10.

In response, India activated a formidable multi-layered air defence shield, deploying over 1,000 anti-aircraft guns and more than 750 short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems along the Line of Control and the International Border. The entire defence effort was coordinated through the recently upgraded Akash Tir and Integrated Aerial Command and Control System (IACCS), which provided real-time tracking and target assignment.

Among the key weapons systems used were the Swedish-origin L-70 guns, Russian Zu-23mm twin-barrel guns, and the mobile Shilka gun systems. These platforms were upgraded with advanced sensors and fire control systems, allowing day-and-night tracking and engagement of low-flying aerial threats such as drones.

The drone offensive by Pakistan followed India’s precision military strikes on terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on May 7. These strikes were in response to the coordinated terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed mostly tourists and civilians, triggering a national outcry.

By May 10, Pakistan signalled interest in peace talks, and a ceasefire agreement was reached at the military level, temporarily halting hostilities. However, the scale and success of India’s air defence during these days of high alert are being viewed as a significant military achievement and a deterrent message to cross-border provocations.