KKN Gurugram Desk | Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated dramatically overnight as a series of drone and missile attacks launched by Pakistan across multiple Indian states triggered a fierce and immediate retaliation from the Indian Armed Forces.

On Friday night, Pakistan attempted to strike 26 targets across Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, Gujarat, and Rajasthan using drones and surface-to-surface missiles. In response, India carried out precision missile strikes on at least four high-value airbases deep inside Pakistan.

This military flare-up marks one of the most intense confrontations between the two nuclear-armed nations in recent years, pushing the region to the edge of open conflict.

India’s Retaliatory Strikes Cripple Pakistani Military Infrastructure

According to Indian defense sources, the Indian Air Force launched targeted air-to-surface missile strikes on four key Pakistani airbases:

• Noor Khan Airbase (Rawalpindi)

• Murid Airbase (Chakwal)

• Rafiqui Airbase (Shorkot)

• A fourth classified installation near Islamabad

The strikes reportedly caused heavy damage to hangars, radar systems, and fighter jet infrastructure, marking a significant tactical blow to Pakistan’s aerial capabilities. Following the attack, Pakistan closed its airspace until further notice, with multiple civilian flights rerouted or grounded.

Fateh-1 Missile Fired at India, Neutralized by Air Defense Systems

As part of the cross-border escalation, Pakistan launched a Fateh-1 short-range ballistic missile aimed at Indian military installations. However, India’s advanced air defense systems, including the S-400 and indigenous interceptors, successfully neutralized the threat mid-air.

Visuals surfaced on social media showing the interception of incoming missiles near Sirsa, where Indian radars detected the trajectory in time. The local administration issued advisories urging residents to remain indoors.

Explosions Reported Across Jammu, Kashmir, and Punjab

In the early hours of Saturday, multiple explosions rocked Jammu and Kashmir, particularly near Srinagar airport (5:20 AM), Baramulla (4:50 AM), and Udhampur. Shelling by Pakistani forces also caused damage to civilian properties in several residential areas.

In Amritsar, Pathankot, and Firozpur, air-raid sirens sounded intermittently through the night. Anti-aircraft guns were deployed, with gunfire echoing for more than half an hour in some sectors. The administration declared a red alert and asked people to avoid stepping outside.

In Gujarat’s Kutch district, Indian forces successfully intercepted Pakistani drones trying to enter airspace.

Civilian Impact: Structural Damage and Casualties Reported

Reports from ground zero confirm that several houses were damaged in border villages across Jammu, Uri, and Baramulla. In one instance, the Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) of Rajouri was killed in shelling that directly struck his residence.

In Uri, several structures were reduced to rubble, highlighting that civilian areas were deliberately targeted by Pakistani artillery units. The scale of destruction is still being assessed by emergency response teams.

Pakistan Closes Airspace Amid Escalating Tensions

In a move confirming the seriousness of the situation, Pakistan’s Civil Aviation Authority temporarily closed its entire airspace until 12 PM, citing “national security concerns.” This led to the diversion of domestic and international flights, including PIA flight 218, which was rerouted over Quetta.

Explosions were also heard in Islamabad, Lahore, and Peshawar, raising concerns about collateral impact on civilian zones. Pakistani media confirmed that India launched multiple ballistic missiles, damaging critical military installations near these cities.

Defense Experts Analyze the Strategic Targets Hit

Military analysts believe that the targeted airbases—Noor Khan, Murid, and Rafiqui—are among the most strategic air defense hubs for Pakistan. They host fighter squadrons, refueling aircraft, and drone operations.

A defense official stated anonymously:

“This was a calculated and proportionate response. The goal was to degrade Pakistan’s first-strike capability and send a clear message that Indian airspace will not be violated without consequence.”

India’s Defensive Strength: Missile Systems in Action

India’s multi-layered air defense played a critical role in neutralizing incoming threats. Systems deployed include:

• S-400 Triumf (Russian-made, long-range interceptors)

• L-70 and Zu-23-2 (anti-aircraft artillery)

• Shilka mobile air defense units

These systems actively engaged drones and missiles, preventing major damage across several Indian regions.

Official Communication and Government Response

The Indian government has called for a press briefing at 10:00 AM to provide official details and possibly issue diplomatic statements. Meanwhile, the Defense Minister is scheduled to meet with the Chiefs of Army, Navy, and Air Force in an emergency security session.

Home Ministry officials have also confirmed the activation of missile defense protocols in border regions, particularly around Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir.

Public Advisory and Security Alert

Several states including Punjab, Rajasthan, Jammu & Kashmir, and Gujarat have issued public safety advisories:

• Residents are advised to stay indoors

• Schools and public offices near the border will remain shut

• Mobile networks and electricity have been temporarily suspended in sensitive areas

Amritsar’s district administration confirmed a complete blackout across major urban centers to prevent airstrike detection.

Ongoing Developments: Neelum Valley and Sialkot See Indian Counterstrikes

Following Pakistani provocation via drones, India reportedly launched counterstrikes in Neelum Valley (Pakistan-occupied Kashmir) and Sialkot, targeting launch pads and artillery bases.

These strikes are considered part of India’s “hot pursuit” doctrine, meant to neutralize threats before they materialize on Indian soil.

India-Pakistan Conflict 2025: Strategic Outlook

Why This Matters:

• The 2025 escalation is being viewed by international defense observers as a turning point in South Asian military balance

• Both countries are nuclear-armed, and any miscalculation could lead to a broader regional crisis

• India’s measured yet powerful response is being seen as a message of deterrence

Global Reactions Expected

Diplomatic missions in New Delhi and Islamabad are closely monitoring the situation. The UN, US, and China have urged both nations to de-escalate immediately, though no official intervention has occurred yet.

Friday night’s dramatic events have pushed India and Pakistan dangerously close to the edge of open military conflict. As of Saturday morning, both nations are on high alert, with military assets deployed and air defenses activated.

India’s swift and precise retaliation, especially targeting four of Pakistan’s critical airbases, marks one of the most decisive military actions in recent years. With airspace closures, damage assessments, and civilian casualties emerging, the next 48 hours will be crucial.