SOURCE: AFI
In a remarkable display of its air defense prowess, India successfully intercepted and neutralized multiple Pakistani ballistic missiles, including the Fatah-I, Fatah-II, and the long-range Shaheen-II, during a recent escalation of tensions between the two nations. Sources indicate that the Shaheen-II, a formidable missile with a range of up to 2,000 km, was likely shot down over Sirsa, Haryana, marking a significant achievement for India’s multi-layered air defense systems. A viral video circulating on social media, showing debris and a massive mid-air explosion, further supports the likelihood of this interception over Sirsa.
The Indian Armed Forces, equipped with advanced systems like the Barak-8 Medium Range Surface-to-Air Missile (MRSAM), Akash-NG, and the Russian-origin S-400 Triumf, demonstrated exceptional capability in tracking and destroying the incoming threats. The Fatah-I, with a range of 140 km, and the Fatah-II, a hypersonic ballistic missile with a 400 km range, were intercepted mid-air, preventing any damage to critical infrastructure or civilian areas. The Fatah series, developed by Pakistan’s National Engineering and Scientific Commission (NESCOM), is designed for precision strikes and is touted for its flat trajectory and advanced guidance systems, making interception challenging.
The Shaheen-II, a surface-to-surface ballistic missile capable of carrying conventional or nuclear payloads, represents a more strategic threat due to its extended range and ability to target deep within Indian territory. Reports suggest that the missile, launched as part of Pakistan’s “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos,” was aimed at a high-value target, possibly in the National Capital Region. Its interception over Sirsa, as evidenced by local accounts of a “bright red explosion” and scattered debris near a church and surrounding fields, underscores the effectiveness of India’s air defense grid.
The viral video, widely shared on platforms like X, captures the moment of interception, with locals describing a loud blast and debris falling in the vicinity of Sirsa. While the exact missile type in the video remains unconfirmed, the scale of the explosion and the nature of the debris align with the characteristics of a Shaheen-II, which carries a larger warhead compared to the Fatah series.
This interception operation highlights the critical role of India’s integrated air defense network, which combines indigenous and foreign systems to create a robust shield against ballistic missile threats. The Barak-8, jointly developed by India and Israel, proved its mettle by neutralizing the hypersonic Fatah-II, challenging Pakistan’s claims of its “uninterceptable” nature. The S-400 and Akash-NG systems likely played a complementary role in tracking and engaging the Shaheen-II, showcasing India’s technological edge in countering high-speed, long-range threats.
The successful defense comes amidst heightened tensions, with Pakistan launching multiple drone and missile attacks targeting 26 locations across India, from Jammu and Kashmir to Gujarat, under “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos.” While most attacks were thwarted, a drone strike in Ferozpur, Punjab, injured a civilian family, underscoring the need for continued vigilance. In response, India conducted precision strikes on Pakistani airbases, including Nur Khan in Rawalpindi, Rafiqi in Shorkot, and Murid in Chakwal, further escalating the conflict.
The interception of these missiles not only prevented potential devastation but also sent a strong message about India’s defensive capabilities. The armed forces remain on high alert, with blackouts enforced in border states like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan to counter aerial threats. As debris from the intercepted missiles is analyzed, the incident over Sirsa stands as a testament to India’s readiness to protect its skies and sovereignty against sophisticated adversaries.
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