Israeli-manufactured Harop drones, reportedly used in modern drone warfare, were detected late last night by Pakistan's alert air defence system as they entered Pakistani airspace. However, in line with a well-planned defensive strategy, the drones were not taken down using long-range missile systems.
According to defence sources, the drones were identified the moment they crossed into Pakistani territory. An immediate alert was issued by the air defence system. However, due to strategic considerations, the drones were not locked or targeted with ground-based long-range missiles.
The Harop drone is a suicide drone, designed to identify and strike enemy air defence systems by tracing the location once it's locked on by radar or missile systems. When locked, it transmits the exact location of the radar or missile launcher back to its operators, thereby compromising critical defence infrastructure.
To avoid exposing the locations of Pakistan’s ground-based air defence and radar systems, the drones were instead brought down using traditional weapons while flying at low altitudes.
Defence sources added that the enemy’s main objective was to locate and target Pakistan’s radar and air defence positions. However, this attempt was effectively foiled through a calculated and disciplined defensive response.
