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Amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan, India shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 and two JF-17 aircraft after Pakistan attempted to assault numerous places in Jammu and Punjab, according to government sources.
Earlier on Thursday, Pakistan attempted to strike various areas in India, but Indian air defense guns shot down the intruder drones.
According to sources, India also shot down Pakistan’s Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) in its Punjab province, which fell on their side.
Meanwhile, drone strikes have been averted in Udhampur, Jammu and Kashmir, and Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, as well as a drone being shot down in Akhnoor.
In addition, two Kamikaze drones were shot down in Poonch.
According to sources, the Indian SAM (Surface-to-Air missile) downed the F-16 fighter jet near the Sargodha airbase.
Notably, the F-16 is one of Pakistan’s primary fighter jets, which it acquired from the US. Along with it, the JF-17 is another important fighter aircraft. Lockheed Martin’s F-16 fighter jets were delivered to Pakistan in the late 1980s. Following India’s air strikes on Balakot in 2019, the Pakistan Air Force utilized these jets as well.
Earlier, Pakistan attempted a missile assault in Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer district late on Thursday, drawing an immediate response from India’s air defence systems.
The region’s air defence systems have been fully engaged to intercept and eliminate approaching threats. According to sources, more than 70 missiles were destroyed in mid-air, saving ground targets from being damaged.
In a major escalation, Pakistan launched simultaneous attacks on multiple targets in Jammu, including the airport. Rockets were fired at Jammu from across the international border on Thursday night.
One of the drones struck Jammu Civil Airport, causing fighter jets to scramble in retaliation. India activated its air defenses, which successfully intercepted the oncoming rockets.
Pakistani troops also launched unprovoked firing along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Samba, and Uri districts late Thursday evening.
Eight Pakistani missiles were intercepted by the S-400 air defence system over Jammu airport, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and nearby areas. Two Pakistani drones were downed near Jammu University.
The Integrated Defence Staff in a statement said, “Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by #IndianArmedForces as per standard operating procedure with kinetic and non-kinetic means.”
The escalation by Pakistan followed less than 48 hours after India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Source: IANS
