These systems formed a protective dome around high-risk areas in Punjab, including the Golden Temple.
The Indian Army has revealed that a potentially catastrophic missile and drone attack on the Golden Temple in Amritsar by Pakistan on May 8 was successfully thwarted by India's advanced air defence systems. The attempted strike marked an alarming escalation in cross-border hostilities following India’s Operation Sindoor, launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.
Indian intelligence warned of possible strikes on religious sites, prompting a swift and strategic deployment of air defence systems, including the AKASH surface-to-air missiles and L-70 anti-aircraft guns. These systems formed a protective dome around high-risk areas in Punjab, including the Golden Temple.
“We knew Pakistan might attempt symbolic strikes to provoke outrage and instability. The Golden Temple, being of immense spiritual value, was a top target,” said Major General Kartik C Seshadri, GOC 15 Infantry Division.
The attack occurred under cover of darkness and involved a coordinated wave of UAVs and long-range missiles. However, every incoming threat was intercepted mid-air, demonstrating the effectiveness of India’s evolving air defence strategy.
India’s preemptive military action under Operation Sindoor, which saw the destruction of nine key terrorist installations across the border, reportedly triggered the attempted retaliation. Among the targets struck by India were the Lashkar-e-Taiba headquarters in Muridke and the Jaish-e-Mohammed base in Bahawalpur—both of which were destroyed with surgical precision.
“We hit terror targets only. Civilian and military infrastructure on the Pakistani side was deliberately avoided,” clarified Maj. Gen. Seshadri.
The Indian Army’s successful defence of Amritsar and other Punjabi cities not only preserved lives but also protected national heritage. The episode underscores India's military preparedness and the critical role of technology in safeguarding both strategic and symbolic assets during modern warfare.
