Pakistan is observing the sixth anniversary of the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) “Operation Swift Retort” today, marking a significant military achievement against India. On February 27, 2019, PAF successfully shot down an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet over Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) in response to India’s violation of Pakistani airspace.
The air battle was a direct retaliation to India’s “Balakot Strikes” a day earlier when Indian military aircraft intruded across the Line of Control (LoC) via the Muzaffarabad sector but withdrew hastily after releasing their payload in an open area. The following day, PAF responded by sending jets across the LoC, locking onto Indian military positions before returning after issuing “warning” shots.
When India deployed fighter jets to intercept the Pakistani aircraft, PAF launched a decisive counterattack, successfully downing two Indian fighter jets in an aerial dogfight. One of the pilots, Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was flying a MiG-21, ejected and landed in Pakistani territory, where he was taken into custody. In a diplomatic gesture of goodwill, he was later released by Pakistan.
The operation reaffirmed the combat readiness, strategic capability, and deterrence posture of Pakistan’s armed forces, reinforcing their commitment to national defense. It demonstrated their ability to effectively counter aggression while maintaining operational superiority.
On this occasion, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza and the service chiefs paid tribute to the professionalism, bravery, and sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces. They reiterated their unwavering commitment to national security and regional stability.
“Pakistan’s armed forces remain ever vigilant and fully prepared to defend the nation while actively contributing to peace initiatives in the region and beyond,” stated the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR). The military leadership emphasized that the nation’s defenders stand resolute in safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, upholding the trust placed in them by the people of Pakistan.
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