Pakistan’s military has confirmed the interception and destruction of 25 Indian drones in several places, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Karachi, Chor, Miano and Attock.
With the announcement of the development on Thursday, Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant-General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry emphasized that the international community can clearly witness the dangerous course that India follows through these provocative military actions that not only threaten regional stability but also wider global security.
The drone strikes follow a recent Indian missile attack that martyred 31 people and wounded 57 more places in Pakistan.
Israeli weapons used to attack Pakistan
The drones used by India in the latest attacks were identified as Israeli-made Harop MK 2 models, which are high-altitude UAVs capable of flying up to 35,000 feet, in addition to most standard anti-aircraft cannons.
The engine, produced by UK-based UAV motors LTD, was regained intact with visible manufacturer markings. This marks the first successful interception of this drone model globally.
Following Pakistan Air Force’s strong retaliation to Indian air strikes on May 6 to 7, when several Indian fighter jets were closed down, security sources suggest that the Indian Air Force is now hesitant to launch further manned missions.
Security officials added that India is trying to divert attention from its military setbacks and continued provocative actions to reassure his domestic audience.
Pakistan’s armed forces remain on high alarm and respond to each aggression with what officials describe as a “fixed and proportionate” approach.
The latest escalation comes after the April 22 attack in Pahagam, Indian illegally occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), who killed 26 people. India immediately accused Pakistan-based elements of the attack, but provided no evidence. Islamabad has strongly rejected the accusations.
By retaliation, India closed the Wagah Land border on April 23, the Indus Waters Treaty suspended and recalled Pakistani Visa. Pakistan responded by declaring any disturbance of water flow a “act of war” and closing the Wagah junction on its side.
Pakistan’s immediate retaliation to Indian attack
Reports began to emerge Wednesday from all over Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Murideke and Bahawalpur, detailed explosions.
Shortly after, LT Gen Chaudhry confirmed that Indian air strikes had targeted several locations. Pakistan’s answer was Swift, involving both air and soil operations.
Within the first hour, Pakistan announced the downturn of five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale jet aircraft -advanced aircraft purchased by India from France to strengthen its defense following the failed Balakot operation.
“Pakistan could have shot down 10 Indian fighter jets,” LT Gen Chaudhry said at a press conference. “But Pakistan chose to exercise restraint.”
Despite the extent of Pakistan’s response, Indian media remained silent on the losses. The Hindu newspaper initially reported the downturn of three Indian jets, but the story was later removed, possibly under pressure from the Indian government to avoid further embarrassment.
An American commentator on CNN noted that the potential loss of Rafale jet aircraft would tackle a significant blow to India’s claim of air superiority, as it had built around the induction of these French-made warplanes.
Some experts suggested that the confrontation between the two countries served as a test of both Chinese and Western military technologies, especially after Pakistan’s acquisition of J-10C jet from China in response to India’s Rafale fleet.
A senior French intelligence officer confirmed to CNN that a Rafale jet had actually been shot down by Pakistan, which first marked one of these advanced French aircraft had been lost in battle.
Analysts have noticed that China’s J-10C jet that Pakistan acquired after India’s Rafale induction proves to be very effective, which potentially changes the regional balance of power.
