As India marks the first anniversary of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent launch of Operation Sindoor, new details have emerged highlighting a critical moment when the Indian Air Force thwarted a potentially devastating strike on the national capital.
At the height of the India-Pakistan conflict in May last year, a Pakistani ballistic missile, believed to be from the Fateh or Shaheen series, was intercepted mid-air over Haryana before it could reach its suspected target, Delhi.
The successful neutralisation was carried out by an IAF unit stationed at Sirsa, a strategically vital forward air base near the western border.
Leading the operation was Air Commodore Rohit Kapil, Air Officer Commanding of 45 Wing, whose command decisions and rapid response proved decisive in preventing large-scale damage.
The interception was executed using the Barak-8 surface-to-air missile system, showcasing the operational readiness and technological strength of India’s air defence grid.
Debris recovered from Sirsa days later confirmed the scale of the threat, with visuals circulating widely at the time. Nearly a year on, it remains a stark reminder of how close India came to a major escalation — and how preparedness averted it.
Air Commodore Kapil’s leadership during active hostilities, including both defensive and offensive planning, earned him the Yudh Seva Medal in 2025, conferred by President Droupadi Murmu.
Commodore Kapil and his team’s successful vigil against incoming Pakistani missiles might have saved several lives last year; however, it is not well-known. Commodore Kapil is a Su-30MKI pilot and led an operational Su-30MKI squadron.
The episode has since become a defining example of India’s evolving air defence architecture.
With efforts underway to expand a nationwide, multi-layered shield under the Sudarshan programme, integrating systems like S-400, Barak-8, and indigenous interceptors, the Sirsa interception stands as a reminder of the importance of vigilance, coordination, and swift execution in modern warfare.
– Ends
Published By:
Sayan Ganguly
Published On:
Apr 22, 2026 09:02 IST
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