Islamabad/New Delhi, 10 May 2025 (dpa/MIA) - Pakistan on Saturday said it has destroyed an Indian air defence system with hypersonic missiles in a counterattack after India fired missiles at several military bases.

In a statement, the Pakistani military said it had targeted the Indian town of Adampur, in the state of Punjab, destroying an "S-400 system" valued at $1.5 billion.

Indian media have disputed the report, with newspaper The Indian Express citing an Indian military representative as saying the system had not been hit.

Hypersonic missiles are seen as particularly dangerous as they fly at very high speeds, making it difficult for air defence systems to intercept them.

The statement came after Pakistan earlier said it was retaliating after repelling three Indian attacks, as tensions continue to soar between the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbours.

In a post on X, the Pakistani government said that attacks targeting three military bases in Pakistan had been repelled without any casualties or damage.

Pakistan launched a counteroffensive to defend its land, airspace and national security, Islamabad said. "Every inch of motherland will be protected."

According to Pakistani state media, several Indian military targets were hit and destroyed. There was initially no official confirmation from India.

The Indian Defence Ministry said Pakistan's "continued escalation" was of grave concern, with multiple drones shot down in the early hours of Saturday.

"This blatant attempt to violate India’s sovereignty and endanger civilian lives is unacceptable," the department wrote on X.

Pakistan calls nuclear authority meeting as airports remain closed

Meanwhile, Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has called an emergency meeting of the country’s nuclear authority, officials said.

The National Command Authority, a body that takes policy decisions regarding Pakistan’s nuclear arsenal and missiles, is expected to meet on Saturday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said.

India and Pakistan carried out tit-far-tat nuclear explosions in 1998 and are involved in an unofficial missile race.

Pakistan’s airspace would remain closed for all types of air traffic on Saturday, the country's Airports Authority wrote on Facebook.

Meanwhile, India has closed 32 airports in the north and west of the country until May 14, the Airports Authority of India said in a statement.

International diplomats seek de-escalation

The escalation in tensions between the two nuclear powers was triggered by a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April which killed 26 people, mainly Indian tourists.

New Delhi accuses Islamabad of involvement in the attack. Pakistan denies involvement and has called for an independent investigation.

Pakistan and India each control parts of Kashmir, but both claim the entire Kashmir Valley for themselves.

International efforts to defuse the conflict are under way, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio having spoken with Pakistani Army chief Asim Munir, according to department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.

"He continued to urge both parties to find ways to deescalate and offered US assistance in starting constructive talks in order to avoid future conflicts," she said in a statement.

Earlier, foreign ministers of the G7 countries urged "maximum restraint" from both India and Pakistan.

The ministers - from Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, plus the European Union - called for an immediate de-escalation and direct dialogue.

"Further military escalation poses a serious threat to regional stability. We are deeply concerned for the safety of civilians on both sides," a joint statement said.

"We continue to monitor events closely and express our support for a swift and lasting diplomatic resolution."

Photo: epa