In a chilling reminder of regional tensions, the Indian Army confirmed that Pakistan attempted to launch a massive aerial assault targeting the Golden Temple in Amritsar during the night of May 7–8. The sacred Sikh shrine, which stands as a symbol of peace and resilience, was saved from devastation thanks to India’s robust and highly coordinated air defence grid.
According to senior military officials, the attempted attack followed India’s precision strikes on terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir during Operation Sindoor — a retaliatory mission after the brutal terrorist attack in Pahalgam that took the lives of 26 Indian citizens. In response, Pakistan launched drones and long-range missiles aiming at multiple Indian cities, with the Golden Temple identified as a key target.
Major General Kartik C. Seshadri, who commands an infantry division in Amritsar, revealed that Indian intelligence had earlier flagged the possibility of such an attack. “We anticipated Pakistan would target civilian and religious locations after our surgical strikes. Among the likely targets, the Golden Temple stood out,” he said.
Despite the grim intent behind the operation, Indian air defence forces were fully alert and ready. The attack unfolded under the cover of night, but India’s defensive machinery sprang into action, intercepting all incoming threats. “Thanks to the preparedness of our air defence gunners, not a single drone or missile touched the Golden Temple. It remains untouched — not even a scratch,” said Major General Seshadri, reflecting the deep emotional and cultural importance of protecting the holy site.
To defend against the barrage, India deployed a wide array of advanced weapon systems. Key among them was the indigenous AKASH missile system, a medium-range, surface-to-air weapon that forms a core part of India’s air defence capability. Known for its ability to engage multiple targets from any direction, the AKASH system utilizes real-time data processing and advanced radar guidance for pinpoint accuracy.
Supporting these efforts were the L-70 air defence guns, strategically placed around the Golden Temple. These modernized anti-aircraft guns are equipped with state-of-the-art sighting and fire control systems, capable of precise autonomous ballistic calculations — a crucial edge in neutralizing fast-moving aerial threats.
The broader air defence grid operated as a joint effort by the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy, working in exceptional coordination. The system includes an impressive arsenal such as the S-400 missile system, Barak 8, Pechora, Spyder, and enhanced versions of Zu-23-2B guns. These layers of defence, deployed across multiple cities including Jammu, Srinagar, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj, ensured every attempted strike was successfully intercepted.
This unprecedented attack was Pakistan’s apparent retaliation to Operation Sindoor, during which India targeted high-value terrorist infrastructure deep within Pakistani territory. Notably, these included the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba in Muridke and Jaish-e-Mohammed in Bahawalpur, resulting in the reported elimination of over 100 terrorists.
The attempted strike on the Golden Temple — a spiritual beacon for millions — not only underscores the volatile security situation but also highlights the unwavering commitment of Indian forces to protect national heritage and civilian lives. In the face of provocation, India’s preparedness, technological strength, and quick response ensured that what could have been a tragedy of monumental proportions was averted.
As the nation reflects on these events with a sense of relief and gratitude, the bravery and foresight of its armed forces shine through, having once again risen to shield both its people and its most cherished symbols from harm.
