Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a new video released by the Indian Army has revealed that Pakistan launched a Shaheen-series ballistic missile aimed at the national capital, Delhi, during the recent military standoff. According to a detailed report by NavBharat Times and NDTV, the missile launch was part of a broader offensive that included advanced rocket artillery and Chinese-supplied weaponry.

The Indian Army’s footage confirms that Pakistan deployed Shaheen ballistic missiles, known for their deep-strike capabilities, alongside the Chinese A-100 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and indigenously developed Fateh I and Fateh II rocket systems. In response, India activated its Russian-built S-400 air defence system as well as the indigenous Akash missile system to intercept and neutralize incoming threats.

Despite successful interception, some experts and observers have raised questions regarding the absence of missile debris as visual proof. However, defence analysts explain that this aligns with India’s sophisticated defence doctrine, which prioritizes both operational secrecy and strategic deterrence. The non-disclosure of debris or technical details is part of a calibrated countermeasure approach to avoid giving adversaries insight into India’s defensive capabilities.

According to the Indian Army’s assessment, the Shaheen missile in question carried a conventional payload, not a nuclear warhead. The Shaheen missile, developed by Pakistan, is capable of targeting key infrastructure deep within Indian territory, making its attempted use particularly provocative.

Weapons Deployed by Pakistan

• Shaheen Ballistic Missile: A strategic weapon capable of delivering nuclear or conventional warheads deep into enemy territory. In this case, it was reportedly aimed at Delhi but intercepted mid-air.
• A-100 MLRS: A Chinese-origin 300mm multiple rocket launcher system with a range of up to 100 km, used by Pakistan in saturation attacks.
• Fateh I & II: Precision-guided MLRS developed indigenously by Pakistan with assistance from Chinese engineers. These are designed for high-accuracy strikes on enemy installations.

India’s Defensive Response

In retaliation, the Indian Army launched counterstrikes using the Smerch MLRS, while simultaneously intercepting hostile projectiles with the S-400 Triumf system and the Akash SAM platform. This event marks the first confirmed instance of the S-400 being used in active defence on Indian soil, signifying its critical role in India’s layered air defence architecture.

Strategic Implications

The attempted missile strike on Delhi underscores the escalating threat of a two-front war, especially considering China’s military backing of Pakistan during this period. India’s rapid interception capability and strategic restraint reflect a mature military posture designed to deter further escalation.

This revelation also signals a turning point in South Asian security dynamics. With nuclear-capable platforms being deployed in real-time conflict, the margin for error narrows, and India’s air defence systems are now at the core of its national security strategy.