India activates full-scale air defence as Pak shells border states; S-400 intercepts missiles, drone shot down near Phalodi base

A Pakistani drone was intercepted and shot down 20 kilometres short of the Indian Air Force base in Phalodi, Rajasthan, even as air raid sirens blared in Chandigarh following shelling near the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Officials said a blackout has been imposed across vulnerable areas as a precaution.

To counter the offensive, India has deployed its advanced Russian-made S-400 Sudarshan Chakra system alongside the L-70, ZSU-23, and Schilka air defence systems to intercept incoming threats.

The S-400 has already destroyed missiles fired by Pakistan in Rajasthan’s Pokhran region, while several Pakistani drones have also been neutralised over Jammu and Kashmir, reported India Today.

Meanwhile, residents in border districts are reporting multiple explosions. Heavy shelling was heard in J&K’s Rajouri district, and a complete blackout has been imposed at all Army installations in the region.

Similar blackouts are in place in Kachchh, Gujarat — particularly in Bhuj and border villages — amid continued Pakistani attacks.