In an extraordinary briefing held earlier today, a senior officer of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) presented detailed evidence to international media, claiming responsibility for the downing of five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets during a recent escalation across the Line of Control (LoC). The officer, identified as Air Vice Marshal Tariq Mehmood, showcased what he described as “irrefutable proof” of the aerial engagement that resulted in the destruction of three Rafale multi-role combat aircraft, one MiG-29, and one Su-30MKI.
Key Highlights from the Briefing
Held at the Air Headquarters in Islamabad, the press event was attended by representatives from Al Jazeera, BBC, TRT World, and Reuters. AVM Mehmood presented:
- Radar logs, infrared sensor footage, and AWACS data displaying the airspace intrusions by IAF aircraft on 7 May 2025.
- Satellite imagery showing exact strike coordinates and aftermath visuals, confirmed to be near Pathankot, Rajouri, and Baramulla.
- Cockpit audio recordings from PAF fighter pilots detailing the engagement, and strategic formations involving J-10C and JF-17 Block III squadrons.
The senior officer emphasized the use of network-centric warfare, where Pakistani drones, electronic warfare systems, and manned fighters coordinated in a “joint kill matrix.” He detailed how the Indian air defense systems were jammed using electronic countermeasures, allowing PAF jets to strike with precision.
“This was not an act of aggression, but a calibrated response to Indian provocations near the LoC. The Indian Air Force crossed into contested airspace, and our response was legal, proportionate, and successful,” AVM Mehmood stated.
Tactical Breakdown
- 3 Rafale jets, operating from Pathankot AFB, were reportedly intercepted near the Pir Panjal Range.
- A MiG-29 was downed over Kupwara during an attempted combat air patrol.
- A Su-30MKI, according to PAF, was hit while escorting a drone swarm near Uri.
Analysts confirm that the Rafale kills, if validated, would mark the first such losses of the French-built fighter in combat and raise serious questions about India’s multibillion-dollar acquisition.
International Reactions & Verifications
While New Delhi has denied the claims, independent defence analysts from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) and Janes Defence Weekly noted a “communications blackout” in several key Indian Air Force sectors, corroborating the possibility of significant disruptions.
Satellite imagery from Sentinel Hub and Maxar Technologies, shared anonymously with the press, showed fire damage at two IAF bases and airstrip repair activity, consistent with air-to-ground strikes or crashes.
Furthermore, Indian social media users reported large convoys of ambulances, helicopters, and troop movements, adding to speculation of serious casualties and damage.
As the situation evolves, diplomatic voices including China, Türkiye, Bangladesh and the OIC have called for de-escalation, while Pakistan maintains that it will “defend every inch of its airspace.”
References
- CSIS (2025). “Escalation Dynamics in South Asia: May Briefing.” Center for Strategic and International Studies.
- Reuters (2025). “India-Pakistan Border Tensions Flare Amid Jet Shootdown Claims.” Retrieved from [Reuters.com]
- Janes Defence Weekly (2025). “PAF Presents Downing Evidence of Indian Jets: Regional Stability in Focus.”
- Al Jazeera English (2025). “Pakistan’s Air Power Demonstration: What We Know.”
- Sentinel Hub & Maxar Imagery (2025). “Airbase Satellite Analysis: May 2025.”
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