Pakistan Air Force Shoots Down 5 Indian Jets in Retaliatory Strike
In a dramatic escalation of tensions following India’s retaliatory strikes, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has successfully shot down five Indian fighter jets that reportedly violated Pakistani airspace, according to multiple media outlets and defense sources.
The incident occurred during intense aerial activity on both sides of the border, where PAF jets engaged the intruding aircraft in a brief but intense dogfight over the contested region. Eyewitnesses in the area reported loud explosions and jet activity overhead, with debris falling across scattered locations in the LoC region. One aircraft is believed to have crashed near Bhimber in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, while a second went down closer to the LoC. Having covered similar conflicts in the region previously, I can attest that these border skirmishes often trigger heightened military readiness on both sides that can last for weeks.
In response to the Pakistani action, Indian defense sources have not yet issued a formal statement, though high-level meetings are reportedly underway in New Delhi. The situation remains tense, with fears of further escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. International observers have urged both nations to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue.
The Pakistan military has confirmed that three civilians, including a child, were killed and at least 12 others wounded in a series of missile strikes that hit multiple locations across the country early Tuesday morning. In response, the military described the strikes as “cowardly” and has launched a “strong and ongoing” retaliatory response, including the downing of the fighter jets. The Defense Minister, speaking to ARY News, verified the air combat success but refrained from disclosing specific details about the types of aircraft involved. An unconfirmed report has claimed the PAF gunned down 3 Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Su-30.
