India-Pakistan tensions came close to spiraling out of control on Thursday after Pakistan used loitering munitions to target locations in Jammu. Indian Air Defence systems went into a quick response immediately, launching countermeasures to counter the air threat.
Loitering Munitions Elicit Instant Military Response
Security officials confirmed that Indian Air Defence guns have been switched on in retaliation to Pakistan’s use of loitering munitions—small, self-destructing drones that are meant to loiter over a target zone before attacking. These are usually employed for high-precision attacks with little warning.
“Pakistan has used loitering munitions to target Jammu; Indian Air Defence guns are on the job,” ANI reported, citing top defence sources.
Pakistan has targeted Jammu with loitering munitions; Indian Air Defence guns are firing back pic.twitter.com/jWFanwt8hC
— ANI (@ANI) May 8, 2025
Tensions Mount Following Operation Sindoor
This new attack follows the escalation of border tensions and India’s successful counter-terror operation, ‘Operation Sindoor’, targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan’s new move is broadly interpreted as a tit-for-tat action amid the escalating confrontation between the two nuclear-powers.
Area Placed on High Alert
Jammu has been put on high alert by the authorities, and security personnel are proactively patrolling airspace and border areas. Surveillance devices have been augmented, and anti-drone systems are being installed to preclude further intrusion.
Sirens blaring and an increased military presence were witnessed by local residents, especially around Akhnoor, when the Indian Army stepped up its readiness with concerns of repeated attacks.
Cross-Border Drone Attacks Becoming Frequent
Pakistan’s drone and loitering munition usage has increased over the last year, with regular sightings of cross-border drone activities intended for surveillance, smuggling, or outright attacks. Thursday’s attack, though, represents a significant escalation because it involves targeting strategic areas within Jammu directly.
The Indian defence machinery is still reviewing the impact and watching events on the Line of Control (LoC) closely.
