PAF shot down several advanced Indian jets including Rafales, Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000s, MiG-29s
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Photo: YouTube
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said on Tuesday that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) stunned the world with its decisive and coordinated response during the May 2025 conflict with India.
Addressing the parade at the PAF Academy in Risalpur, the Air Chief described PAF operations under Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos as a first-of-its-kind full-spectrum, multi-domain engagement.
He said the Marka-e-Haq demonstrated Pakistan’s emergence as a regional stabilizer. “We live in challenging times and our adversaries have always tried to undermine our sovereignty. Yet our armed forces defeated the enemy despite its vastly superior numerical strength,” he stated.
“The world had never before seen such a coordinated and bold use of air power. This engagement has set a new benchmark for modern air warfare and in 2025 the PAF once again demonstrated its overwhelming superiority,” he added.
The Air Chief revealed that for the first time in history, the PAF was adopting a comprehensive operational approach that integrated space, cyber and electronic warfare with long-range vectors, unmanned aerial systems, killer drones and loitering munitions.
On the 6th-7th On 1 May, the PAF shot down several advanced Indian jets, including Rafales, Su-30MKIs, Mirage 2000s, MiG-29s and unmanned aerial vehicles, establishing what ACM Sidhu described as one of the most intense beyond visual range (BVR) engagements in modern times.
He noted that on May 10, in response to an Indian preemption, Pakistan carried out deep strikes against enemy bases and ground assets across northern and southern sectors, neutralizing S-400 air defense systems and key command and control centers.
Highlighting the broader strategic context, ACM Sidhu said the success was a product of a concerted national effort, the blessings of Allah, aggressive decision-making and the leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
“The nation and its armed forces set a remarkable example of unity, determination and professionalism, defeating an enemy that enjoyed numerical superiority,” he said. “Our operations were calibrated and balanced with a single goal: to secure peace with honor.”
“Pakistan is a peaceful country and seeks friendly relations with all nations,” he said. However, he warned that if Pakistan’s sovereignty is challenged again, the enemy will find the PAF far stronger and better prepared than before.
“As a responsible nuclear power, Pakistan’s global and regional relations have become stronger than ever, while the public’s unwavering confidence in the armed forces is the result of decades of sincere service and sacrifice,” he added.
The Air Chief emphasized that the PAF’s performance in 2025 reflected years of modernization, restructuring and operational innovation. He highlighted Pakistan’s Air Force, commitment to national defense and professional excellence to the full extent.
on the occasion, ACM Sidhu mentioned that the presence of Saudi cadets at the PAF Academy reflects the strong friendship and strategic cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
While congratulating the graduating cadets, he said that they have been entrusted with the sacred duty of defending the air borders of the motherland and the entire hope of the nation rests on their shoulders.
The ceremony featured cadets from various courses including GD(P), Engineering, Air Defence, Navigation, Admin, Special Duties and Logistics, along with cadets from the Royal Saudi Air Force. The event included a flypast by PAF fighter jets and the Sherdil Aerobatics Team that showcased the prowess and professionalism of the Air Force.
(WITH INPUT FROM NEWS DESK)
