Tensions between India and Pakistan have sharply escalated following reports indicating that Pakistan’s HQ-9 air defense missile systems sustained significant damage as a result of India’s recent military operations. The HQ-9P variant, supplied by China and a crucial element of Pakistan’s air defense strategy, was compromised during developments related to India’s Operation Sindoor.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, comprised precision missile strikes aimed at terror camps located in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). This military action was initiated in response to a devastating terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 individuals. Indian officials characterized the strikes as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory,” emphasizing that they deliberately avoided targeting Pakistani military installations to minimize escalation.
Conversely, the Pakistan Army reported that the strikes resulted in 31 fatalities and left 46 others injured. Notably, the collateral damage included the degrading of the HQ-9 systems, which are designed to effectively counter aircraft within a range of 125 kilometers and cruise missiles up to 25 kilometers. This technology is comparable to Russia’s S-300 systems and is integral to Pakistan’s aerial defense network.
In the wake of these operations, cross-border skirmishes have intensified. Indian forces reported unprovoked firing from Pakistani positions in several sectors including Kupwara, Baramulla, Uri, and Akhnoor, prompting countermeasures. Meanwhile, civilian life has been severely impacted, leading to India closing 25 air routes and canceling over 300 flights, including 140 to and from Delhi. In response to these developments, Pakistan has completely shut its airspace.
The heightened instability has drawn both domestic and international reactions. Kashmir University has postponed all examinations until May 10, reflecting local concerns regarding safety. Additionally, Singapore has issued travel advisories for both nations, indicating a growing international alarm over the deteriorating security situation in South Asia.
The reported damage to the HQ-9 systems not only underscores vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defenses but also introduces a new dimension to the escalating military and diplomatic tensions between the nuclear-armed neighbors. The situation continues to evolve, with both sides on high alert amid fears of further confrontations.
