India’s S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ and HARPY Drones Crush Pakistan’s Missile Attack: A Display of Air Defence Superiority

India recently showcased its formidable air defence and precision strike capabilities by successfully neutralising a large-scale missile and drone attack launched by Pakistan. In a bold and calculated military operation, India deployed its advanced Russian-made S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ missile defence systems alongside Israeli HARPY loitering drones, effectively protecting multiple military installations across northern and western India.

The Escalation: Pakistan’s Midnight Strike

Late Wednesday night, Pakistan attempted a surprise missile and drone assault on 15 key Indian military locations including Srinagar, Jammu, Pathankot, Amritsar, Chandigarh, and Bhuj. The attack was a retaliation to India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’, where the Indian Armed Forces had earlier struck nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians.

The Pakistani assault, launched under the cover of darkness, aimed to overwhelm India’s air defence network. However, what followed was a swift, coordinated and highly effective defensive and counter-offensive action by India.

S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’: India’s Air Defence Crown Jewel

India’s most advanced air defence shield, the S-400 Triumf, locally nicknamed ‘Sudarshan Chakra’, proved its worth during the confrontation. Just like the mythical spinning weapon of Lord Vishnu known for cutting down evil, the S-400 intercepted all 15 incoming missiles from Pakistan before they could reach Indian soil.

Specifications of the S-400 ‘Sudarshan Chakra’:

Detection Range: 600 km
Target Engagement Range: Up to 400 km
Simultaneous Target Tracking: 80 targets
Missiles Deployed: 40N6E, 48N6DM, 9M96E2
Speed: Up to Mach 14 (for interceptor missiles)
Coverage: Deployed across Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Gujarat

India had signed a ₹35,000 crore deal for five squadrons with Russia. As of now, three squadrons are fully operational, with two more scheduled for deployment by 2026. The S-400’s precision, long-range interception, and multi-layered defence made it possible to neutralise Pakistan’s barrage without a single missile hitting its intended target.

HARPY Drones: Silent Hunters of Enemy Radars

Following the missile interception, India immediately launched a series of HARPY loitering drones developed by Israel. These special drones are designed to suppress enemy air defences by autonomously detecting radar emissions and destroying them.

Key Features of the IAI HARPY Drone:

Endurance: Up to 9 hours
Warhead: High-explosive
Operation: Day & night, all weather
Seeker Type: Anti-radiation, radar frequency seeker
Primary Role: Destroy enemy radar stations and air defence networks

In this operation, the HARPY drones reportedly destroyed radar stations in Lahore and several other sites, blinding Pakistan’s air defence grid and ensuring safe skies for further Indian military operations.

Why India’s Air Defence Outshines China’s HQ-16

Pakistan, a close military ally of China, has deployed the Chinese HQ-16 air defence system in many of its defence setups. However, the HQ-16 is simply no match for India’s advanced S-400 system.

Why HQ-16 Falls Behind:

Engagement Range: Only up to 70 km (compared to 400 km of S-400)
Simultaneous Target Tracking: 32 targets (half of what S-400 can handle)
Missile Speed: Much slower than the hypersonic interceptors of the S-400
Limited Operational Ceiling: Inadequate against high-speed, long-range missiles and stealth drones

Additionally, the HQ-16 lacks the multi-layered missile options available to the S-400, making it vulnerable to saturation attacks and modern electronic warfare. This technological gap was clearly visible as India’s HARPY drones easily penetrated Pakistani defences during the recent conflict.

China’s HQ-16 is essentially a licensed derivative of an older Russian system, and while it provides basic defence, it cannot match the sophistication, range, or integration capabilities of India’s S-400 network.

A Measured Yet Firm Indian Response

The Indian government made it clear that its response was “in the same domain with the same intensity” — targeting only military infrastructure, not civilian areas. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed that while India seeks peace, it will decisively respond to any provocation.

Debris of downed Pakistani drones and missiles is being collected and documented, strengthening India’s diplomatic stance against Pakistan’s role in sponsoring cross-border terrorism.

Strategic Message to the Region

This conflict underscores India’s growing air defence supremacy and operational readiness. The combination of S-400 interceptors, HARPY drones, and a robust Integrated Counter-UAS Grid has set a new benchmark in regional defence strategy.

While tensions along the border remain high, India’s restraint in avoiding civilian targets and its focus on neutralising terrorist infrastructure reflect a commitment to responsible military conduct.

India’s decisive action in countering Pakistan’s missile and drone attack, coupled with its advanced air defence technology and strategic military planning, sent a clear message across the region: India is not only capable of defending its skies but also of blinding its adversaries' defences in minutes.

In stark contrast, Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese-made HQ-16 systems and older technology proved ineffective and outdated. The recent events have not only showcased India’s superior military preparedness but also highlighted the weaknesses in Pakistan’s and, by extension, China’s regional military offerings.