India has confirmed the downing of a Pakistani Mirage fighter jet during Operation Sindoor, a retaliatory military operation launched by India on May 7, following a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. The operation was aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure linked to Pakistan-based terrorist groups, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
During a high-level press briefing in New Delhi, senior commanders from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy provided a detailed account of the operation, confirming the successful neutralization of a Pakistani jet. The Indian Army released footage showing the wreckage of the Mirage fighter jet, further confirming the success of the operation.
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India Strikes Back: Operation Sindoor in Retaliation for Pahalgam Attack
Operation Sindoor was launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which claimed the lives of 26 people, mostly Hindu tourists. Intelligence linked the attack to the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, with suspicions also pointing to Pakistan’s military elements.
The operation lasted approximately 25 minutes, taking place in the early hours of May 7. Indian forces targeted nine confirmed terror sites — four in mainland Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that the operation resulted in the neutralization of over 100 terrorists and the destruction of several terror-related facilities.
India’s Military Commanders Speak Out
During the press briefing, Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai, Director General Air Operations Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti, and Director General of Naval Operations Vice Admiral AN Pramod provided a comprehensive overview of the operation.
Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti praised the performance of India’s indigenous Akash Air Defence System, highlighting how it stood the test during the operation:
“Our battle-proven systems stood the test of time and took them head-on. Another highlight has been the stellar performance of the indigenous air defence system, the Akash system.”
The Akash system successfully intercepted several of Pakistan’s incoming threats during the operation, proving the efficacy of India’s self-reliance in defense technologies.
Pakistan Strikes Back: Drone and Missile Attacks Target India
In retaliation for India’s airstrikes, Pakistan launched a series of drone and missile attacks aimed at Indian military facilities and border towns across Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. The attacks triggered air raid sirens and blackouts in various cities, including Chandigarh, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot.
Despite the intensity of the attacks, India reported limited damage to military installations, including those in Udhampur, Adampur, Pathankot, and Bhuj. Civilian injuries were reported in Ferozepur, Punjab, while one government employee was killed in Rajouri, J&K, due to a drone strike.
India’s air defense systems successfully thwarted most of Pakistan’s aerial threats. Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti emphasized the effectiveness of India’s counter-unmanned aerial systems (counter-UAS):
“Numerous waves of drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles employed by Pakistan were also thwarted by the indigenously developed soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems and the well-trained Indian Air Defence personnel.”
Ceasefire Violation and Continued Vigilance
While India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after the operation, India remained vigilant in the face of repeated violations by Pakistan. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed that India had responded strongly to Pakistan’s breach of the ceasefire with drone incursions.
India’s military remains fully prepared and committed to defending its sovereignty, as emphasized by the high-level defense meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Conclusion
India’s Operation Sindoor delivered a decisive blow to Pakistan-based terrorist groups by neutralizing key targets and downing a Pakistani Mirage jet. The operation demonstrated India’s military capability, especially with its indigenous air defense systems. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the situation remains fragile, with both sides on high alert.
As tensions between India and Pakistan persist, India’s military readiness and strategic operations like Operation Sindoor continue to underscore its commitment to countering terrorism and defending its borders.