Pakistan Missile Intercepted at Sirsa – India’s air defenses intercepted a Pakistani Fatah-II ballistic missile over Sirsa, Haryana, on May 10, 2025, preventing a potential strike 150 km from Delhi. The incident, part of Pakistan’s Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos, followed India’s Operation Sindoor targeting terror bases in Pakistan.
This escalation, rooted in a Kashmir terror attack, has heightened tensions between the nuclear-armed nations. Indian defenses also neutralized 70 drones, showcasing robust air defense capabilities.
The Incident: Missile Interception at Sirsa
At 1:40 AM IST, Indian air defenses detected and intercepted a Fatah-II missile over Sirsa using the Barak-8 or S-400 system. No damage or casualties were reported, with debris found in Punjab’s Hoshiarpur.
Pakistan targeted 26 Indian locations, but Indian officials denied claims of civilian strikes, accusing Pakistan of attacking non-military sites.
Context: Escalation of Tensions
A terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, killed 26 people, prompting India’s Operation Sindoor on May 7, striking nine terror bases in Pakistan.
Pakistan’s retaliatory Operation Bunyan Ul Marsoos targeted Indian airbases, with the Fatah-II aimed at Delhi but stopped in Sirsa.
Pakistan claimed Indian strikes damaged its Murid airbase, while India reported no losses.
Fatah-II Missile: Technical Details
The Fatah-II, developed by Pakistan’s GIDS, is a supersonic SRBM with a 400 km range and 365 kg warhead. It travels at Mach 2.5–3 and uses INS/GNSS for precision (CEP less than 10 m). Intercepted in Sirsa, it highlights India’s defense capabilities against Pakistan’s advanced missiles.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Range | 400 km |
| Warhead | 365 kg (Conventional) |
| Speed | Mach 2.5–3 (3,087–3,704 km/h) |
| Guidance | INS/GNSS, Terminal Guidance |
| CEP | Less than 10 meters |
| Developer | GIDS |
| First Test | December 2023 |
India’s Air Defense Systems
- India’s Barak-8 (70 km range) and S-400 (400 km range) systems neutralized the Fatah-II and 70 drones.
- The Akash system also countered drone attacks, ensuring no damage to airbases in Pathankot, Udhampur, or Adampur.
- These systems highlight India’s advanced defensive technology.
International Response and Impact
The G7 and U.S. urged dialogue to de-escalate, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offering mediation. Pakistan defended its strikes, citing India’s aggression. Airspace closures, IPL suspension, and blackouts in Punjab and Jammu disrupted civilian life, reflecting the conflict’s broader impact.
Critical Analysis
The Sirsa interception showcases India’s defensive strength but underscores the risk of nuclear escalation. Pakistan’s use of Fatah-II and alleged PL-15 missiles indicates foreign support, while India’s defenses outperformed expectations. Both sides’ claims, including Pakistan’s assertion of S-400 damage, lack evidence, highlighting misinformation risks.
The interception of Pakistan’s Fatah-II missile over Sirsa on May 10, 2025, marks a critical moment in India-Pakistan tensions. India’s defensive success averted disaster, but the conflict’s escalation demands urgent diplomacy. Aspirants and citizens should stay informed as the situation evolves.
