India has penetrated deep into Pakistan’s air defence network, disabling the Chinese-supplied HQ-9P and HQ-16 systems that defended Lahore. This was a response to Pakistan’s unsuccessful aerial attack after India destroyed nine terrorist camps under Operation Sindoor. India’s precision strikes on May 7-8 not only repelled the attack but also left Pakistan’s commercial hub vulnerable.
The HQ-9P, China’s long-range missile shield constructed for Pakistan, is now in shambles. The incident marks a dramatic change in regional defence calculations—emphasizing India’s military dominance and raising doubts over Pakistan’s excessive dependence on Chinese weaponry.
India Strikes Pakistan’s Air Shield
On May 7 night, Pakistan made an airborne attack on India. The Indian Air Force detected it and brought it down. India responded within hours with counter-attacks by targeting Pakistan’s integrated air defense system (IADS) located near Lahore.
Indian missiles engaged and destroyed HQ-9P and HQ-16 batteries. These were the pillars of defence for Lahore. Lahore is left vulnerable now.
What Is the HQ-9P ?
The HQ-9P is a Chinese long-range surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. China tailored it for Pakistan. The ‘P’ in HQ-9P probably stands for Pakistan. Pakistan displayed it at the 2024 Pakistan Day Parade. It entered service in 2021 and has a range of 125 km—shorter than China’s own HQ-9 variants which stretch to 250 km.
As per Pakistan, the HQ-9P is capable of engaging aircraft, cruise missiles, and beyond-visual-range weapons. Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa inducted it as part of Pakistan’s HIMADS—High to Medium Air Defence System. He said it made Pakistan’s defence “impenetrable.” That assertion has now fallen apart.
LY-80 and HQ-16: Medium-Range Casualties
India also hit HQ-16A missile batteries around valuable assets. HQ-16 defense system, or LY-80 in export model, guards bridges, airbases, and military bases. Pakistan had inducted the LY-80 in 2019. Bajwa had termed it a “national asset.” Now Indian missiles have rendered it neutral.
Pakistan’s China-Made Defence Web
Pakistan’s missile defense is based on a network of Chinese systems: the HQ-9P, HQ-9BE, FD-2000, HQ-16FE, LY-80, and FM-90. They span different altitudes and ranges. But all are Chinese exports. India, on the other hand, employs the S-400 system, one of the most advanced in the world. It detects threats at 600 km and shoots down up to 400 km. The capability gap is evident.
Strategic Imbalance and a New Red Line
India’s effective attack on Lahore’s air defence has unveiled a strategic deficiency. China’s systems have let down Pakistan at the moment of need. Meanwhile, India has demonstrated restraint and accuracy. It is not only a military victory—it is a message. India will retaliate strongly when needled. Pakistan now needs to review its defence acquisition and policy.
India’s Operation Sindoor and subsequent aerial attacks have reconfigured the military landscape of South Asia. Pakistan’s excessive dependence on Chinese defence technology has left it exposed. India’s deployment of diversified, high-quality systems such as the S-400 indicates readiness. The message is unmistakable: India will secure its borders—with alacrity, precision, and crushing power.
