Pakistan's Missile Failures Against India's Advanced Defense Systems

Pakistan's Misguided Missile Launches

Following India's Operation Sindoor, Pakistan attempted to overreach its capabilities. However, its missiles were rendered ineffective against India's robust air defense systems. These missiles have now lost their value in the international market, as India's air defense proved capable of neutralizing them in mid-air. On May 10, Islamabad launched the Fatah-II missile, which was intercepted in Sirsa, Haryana. During the night of May 8-9, Pakistan launched ballistic missiles targeting several Indian cities without provocation. This aggressive action has once again highlighted the disparity between Pakistan's missile arsenal and India's capabilities. The Indian armed forces inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military installations, as confirmed by satellite imagery and acknowledged by Pakistani officials, primarily using domestically produced weapons.

BrahMos Missile: A Game Changer

BrahMos Missile

The BrahMos missile, a product of the India-Russia joint venture, is recognized as one of the world's most powerful supersonic missiles, feared even by nations like China. Capable of being launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or land, it travels at nearly three times the speed of sound and can strike targets up to 290 kilometers away. This missile is designed for surgical strikes and comes in two variants, with ranges extending from 450 to 800 kilometers. Priced between 15 to 30 crore rupees, it features advanced guidance systems and stealth technology, allowing it to evade enemy radar.

Akash Air Defense System

Akash Air Defense System

After India conducted coordinated strikes on terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Islamabad retaliated by targeting civilian and military installations. The neighboring country unleashed a barrage of drones and missiles, primarily sourced from China and Turkey. However, the Akash missile system successfully thwarted these attacks, demonstrating its effectiveness. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics, Akash is a short-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) that forms a crucial part of India's multi-layered air defense strategy.

Nagastra-1: Indigenous Innovation

Nagastra-1

India's first indigenous loitering munition, Nagastra-1, plays a vital role in neutralizing enemy advantages. Developed by Solar Industries in Nagpur, this portable suicide drone is designed to fly directly to its target and detonate for precise strikes. Its effectiveness during conflicts showcases India's rapid advancements in drone warfare.

Skystriker: A Collaborative Effort

Skystriker

Developed jointly by India and Israel, the Skystriker loitering munition is another significant asset. It can carry 5-10 kilograms of explosives, remain airborne for up to two hours, and execute stealthy, precise attacks on targets. Its successful deployment highlights India's growing capabilities in long-range, high-precision drone operations.

India's Missile Power

India's Missile Power

India boasts a rich history in missile technology. Even before independence, various Indian states utilized rockets in warfare. In the mid-18th century, Hyder Ali of Mysore began incorporating iron-cased rockets into his army. By the time of his son Tipu Sultan's death, each brigade in his army included a company of rocket troops, totaling around 5,000 soldiers equipped with rockets. Post-independence, India embarked on a journey to develop missiles, achieving significant advancements, including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), making it one of only seven countries globally with such technology.

S-400: Unmatched Defense

S-400

The S-400 radar can track 300 targets while simultaneously engaging 36 threats. It is capable of detecting and tracking low-observable flying objects using various advanced weapons. With a range of up to 400 kilometers, it can target intruding objects at altitudes of 30 kilometers above sea level. As part of a layered defense strategy, it can launch four different types of missiles, including anti-air missiles and command and control missiles.