A Pakistani Air Force fighter jet was shot down by Indian air defence systems in the Pathankot sector of Punjab, multiple sources told ANI on Friday. While an official confirmation from the Indian government is awaited, the reported downing marks a sharp escalation in military tensions along the Indo-Pak border.
The incident follows a series of coordinated Pakistani aerial incursions and missile attacks targeting Indian military positions. Earlier in the day, Indian Army Air Defence units also shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir during an intense artillery exchange with Pakistani forces.
According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistani forces attempted to target multiple military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur—areas located near the International Border. However, Indian Armed Forces effectively intercepted and neutralised the threats using both kinetic and non-kinetic countermeasures. No casualties or damage have been reported.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), the Integrated Defence Staff 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 Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means.”
In light of the escalating situation, Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting on Thursday with the Director Generals of all border guarding forces. The review focused on preparedness and response mechanisms following Pakistan’s large-scale drone and missile attacks on regions in Jammu and Rajasthan, including Satwari, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia, and Jaisalmer. Indian air defence units successfully intercepted all missiles, and no significant damage was recorded.
The Home Minister also held a separate meeting with the Director General of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) to assess airport security amid heightened nationwide alerts at critical infrastructure points.
These recent developments come on the heels of India’s “Operation Sindoor” launched on May 7. As part of the operation, Indian forces conducted missile strikes on nine terror infrastructure sites located in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK). The strikes were intended to dismantle camps associated with terror groups like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The military action was in direct response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed the lives of 28 civilians. Tensions remain high along the border, with both nations demonstrating heightened military vigilance.
