In a significant escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, an F-16 fighter jet of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) was shot down by an Indian surface-to-air missile defense system on Thursday evening. The jet, which took off from the strategically important Sargodha air base in Pakistan, was reportedly shot down near the base, which is known for being heavily defended and serves as a front-line air station for the PAF.
Sources confirmed to NDTV that the supersonic fighter jet, a mainstay of the Pakistan Air Force, was hit by an Indian Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) as tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors escalated. The incident comes amid a foiled attempt by Pakistan to target Jammu with drones and missiles.
Background of the F-16
The F-16 fighter jet, delivered to Pakistan in the late 1980s, is one of the US-made aircraft that forms the backbone of Pakistan’s air power. Over the years, these jets have undergone multiple upgrades to remain operational. The Sargodha air base has seen action during previous conflicts between the two nations, including the wars of 1965 and 1971. It is historically significant as it has been used by Pakistan for military operations against India, and was heavily defended even during past wars.
In 2019, the F-16 was used by Pakistan during the Balakot air strikes, India’s retaliatory airstrike following the Pulwama terror attack. The 2019 incident saw a MiG-21 fighter jet, piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, shoot down an F-16, marking the first aerial dogfight between the two countries in over 45 years since the 1971 war.
Escalation of Hostilities
This incident is just one in a series of military escalations that have occurred in recent days. Pakistan has made several attempts to target India, particularly Jammu, with drone and missile strikes. India’s air defense systems were activated successfully, intercepting several Pakistani drones and neutralizing missile threats. Areas along the international border in Jammu, including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar, have witnessed intense artillery shelling.
Pathankot, a strategic town in Punjab, which serves as an entry point into Jammu, also came under heavy fire from Pakistan. In response, India deployed the S-400 missile defense system to thwart the incoming missiles and prevent significant damage. Artillery shelling and air raid sirens have also been reported from several locations in India, including Chandigarh and Mohali, where blackouts were imposed to ensure civilian safety.
Pakistani Drone and Missile Attacks Foiled
Pakistan’s attempt to attack military targets using drones and missiles was intercepted by India’s defense systems. According to Indian Defense Services (IDS), the Indian Armed Forces neutralized the threats using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic means. While no losses were reported, India’s air defense systems successfully countered the aerial threat.
Indian officials claimed that the debris from these Pakistani attacks had been recovered from various locations, confirming Pakistan’s aggression. India also retaliated by neutralizing an air defense site in Lahore, while deploying HARPY drones to disable Pakistan’s air defense radars. The intense conflict between the two nations has led to heightened security measures across several regions.
Global Concerns
The escalation between India and Pakistan has drawn international concern, with global powers urging restraint from both sides. The situation remains tense, with both nations prepared for further military engagements. As the conflict continues, the international community remains on edge, closely monitoring developments in the region.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities are continuing to deploy air defense systems to protect key military sites and civilian infrastructure.
Conclusion
The shooting down of Pakistan’s F-16 fighter jet by India’s surface-to-air missile system is a pivotal moment in the ongoing escalation between the two nations. As both countries continue to bolster their military defenses, the threat of further hostilities remains high, with the international community watching closely. The conflict’s outcome could have wide-ranging implications for the region’s stability.
Sources By Agencies
