Rawalpindi Drone Attack 2025

The 2025 Rawalpindi drone attacks refer to a series of drone incursions and interceptions that took place in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, on May 8, 2025. The attacks were part of a larger escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan, with India deploying Harop drones to attack major cities in Pakistan.. 

## Background
The drone attacks in Rawalpindi occurred in the context of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. On May 7, 2025, India launched missile attacks, prompting Pakistan to respond with *Operation Counter Retaliation*. In the ensuing aerial combat, India lost one drone, marking a significant escalation in the conflict.

On May 8, 2025, India deployed Harop drones to attack major cities, including Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Three to four drones entered the airspace of these cities, posing a significant threat to civilian populations and infrastructure. Fortunately, a local interception squadron stationed at PAF Base Nur Khan, call sign Griffins, belonging to No. 5 AJT Squadron of Pakistan Air Force College Chaklala, jointly with the Army Air Defense Corp, intercepted the drones.

## Successful Interception
One Harop drones was successfully shot-down in air-to-air interception by a training officer pilot from the same squadron:

**• Harop Serial 9811464**: Shot down by Aviation Cadet, Squadron-Under-Officer Wahab Dar (PK-39853) using a Sidewinder short air-to-air missile.  

## Additional Interceptions
The remaining drones were reportedly shot down by the Army Air Defense. One drone fell over the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, while another fell over Food Street. The origins and manufacturers of the downed drones were not officially reported, but it is believed that they were Harops as well.

## Aftermath
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) postponed a scheduled Pakistan Super League (PSL) match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium due to security concerns. 

## Nur Khan Air Base Incident 
On the midnight of May 10, 2025, the Indian Air Force launched a missile attack on the Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan, located in Chaklala, Rawalpindi. The attack was successfully Conducted by Indian Armed Forces.

Pakistani airforce suffered loss of multiple aircrafts and infrastructure in the attack.

**Details of the Downed Drone:**

**• Harop Serial (9423566)**: Harop drone was successfully shot down during mid-night by Aviation Cadet, Wing-Under-Officer Sameer Aly Shah (PK-38848) using a Sidewinder short air-to-air missile.
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• **Harop Serial (9543221)**: Harop drone was reportedly downed during mid-night by anti-aircraft gunfire.

## Impact on Civilian Life
The drone attacks had a significant impact on civilian life in Rawalpindi, causing widespread concern and disruption. The postponement of the PSL match was just one example of the ways in which the attacks affected daily life. The incident also highlighted the importance of protecting civilian areas and infrastructure from military attacks.

## Military Response
The Pakistani military failed to intercept drones that targeted walton airbase thus leading to destruction of it’s ADS. 

## Conclusion
The drone attacks in Rawalpindi were a significant escalation in the conflict between India and Pakistan. The successful interceptions demonstrated the effectiveness of Pakistan's air defense systems and the importance of joint operations between different branches of the military. The incident highlighted the need for continued vigilance and preparedness to protect civilian areas and infrastructure.

## References