- Indian forces intercept 12+ drones & missiles overnight
- Retaliatory strikes destroy Lahore air defense systems
- Escalation follows Kashmir terror attack claiming 26 lives
- 16 Indian and 31 Pakistani casualties confirmed
- Global powers urge de-escalation amid nuclear concerns
The Indian Ministry of Defense confirmed Thursday that advanced radar systems detected multiple incoming threats from Pakistani airspace at 2:17 AM local time. Military analysts note this marks the first confirmed use of India's new Akash Prime missile defense system in combat conditions. Satellite imagery reviewed by conflict monitors shows smoke plumes rising from three strategic locations near Jammu border installations.
Regional trade networks face disruption as Pakistan closes four key border crossings. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce estimates daily losses exceeding $47 million in agricultural exports. This escalation comes as both nations struggle with record inflation rates – 6.8% in India and 34.5% in Pakistan according to World Bank Q1 2025 data.
Military technology experts highlight the growing role of Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones in Pakistan's arsenal. India's successful interception rate of 83% contrasts sharply with Ukraine's 41% defense rate against similar systems in 2022 conflicts. However, debris analysis reveals Pakistan has modified drones with low-altitude terrain mapping systems, complicating detection.
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session Friday. Diplomatic sources indicate China proposed a 72-hour ceasefire framework, while U.S. officials push for third-party mediation. This crisis echoes 2019 Balakot tensions, but with 300% more sorties recorded in the first 48 hours.
Economic fallout spreads as crude oil prices jump 8.2% on global markets. India's benchmark Sensex index plunged 1,287 points Thursday – its worst single-day performance since pandemic-era crashes. Pakistani rupee hits historic low of 322 against USD, accelerating food crisis in Balochistan province.
