Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said the world was stunned by the PAF operation against India. He made the remarks during a graduation ceremony at PAF Academy Risalpur on Tuesday. He said the operation demonstrated exceptional planning and flawless execution. Furthermore, he stated that it marked a historic moment for the Pakistan Air Force.
The air chief said the PAF conducted a full-spectrum, multi-domain operation for the first time. He explained that the force employed space-based elements and advanced electronic warfare systems. He added that the operation used long-range vectors and a modern unmanned aerial system. He noted that killer drones and loitering munitions played key roles during the mission.
Air Chief Describes Regional Challenges
Air Chief Sidhu said the country faces complex regional and global challenges. He added that the adversaries constantly undermine Pakistan’s sovereignty. He said the conflict in May reflected these ongoing threats. However, he praised the unity displayed by the nation and its armed forces.
Moreover, he stated that Pakistan defeated an enemy that possessed numerical superiority. He stressed that the victories in Marka-e-Haq and Bunyan-um-Marsoos resulted from a unified national approach. He said these successes were possible through professional competence and divine blessings.
PAF Engaged in Intense Aerial Battles
The air chief said the PAF met the aggressor on the night of May 6 and 7. He stated that the force shot down several advanced enemy aircraft. He said the list included Rafales, Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000s and MiG-29s. He added that the PAF destroyed multiple unmanned aerial systems.
He said the PAF secured electronic signatures as solid evidence of the downings. He noted that the engagement is considered one of the longest aerial battles in modern history. He said the enemy’s skies remained silent for the rest of the conflict.
PAF Responded Decisively to Enemy Actions
Air Chief Sidhu said the PAF responded again on May 10. He explained that the response was coordinated with the Pakistan Army. He stated that the forces struck enemy bases and ground assets deep inside hostile territory. He added that the PAF neutralised the S-400 air defence system.
He said the force also targeted vital command-and-control centres. He stressed that the PAF maintained a calibrated and mature approach throughout the conflict. Furthermore, he said the Air Force acted to ensure peace with honour. He emphasised that the mission reflected national aspirations for security and stability.
