CGTN: Pakistan shoots down Indian aircraft, captures pilot

Pakistan has claimed that its military successfully shot down an Indian aircraft and captured its pilot. 

China Global Television Network (CGTN) quotes the Pakistani military as saying that after shooting down the Indian plane, noting that Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif convened an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority following the incident. The pilot has not been identified yet, Caliber.Az reports per the media’s post on X.

Live: The Pakistani military says it shot down an Indian fighter jet, capturing the pilot. Subsequently, the Pakistani Prime Minister called an emergency meeting of the National Command Authority. #CGTNOnsite https://t.co/HvXo6FS417

— CGTN (@CGTNOfficial) May 10, 2025

Social media reports have suggested that a French-made Rafale fighter jet was involved. Some of these posts also claim that a female pilot was captured, though these reports have yet to be substantiated by official sources.

Tensions escalated in the region after India launched "Operation Sindoor" in the early hours of May 7. The Indian Air Force conducted airstrikes on what it described as terrorist infrastructure located in Pakistan's Punjab province and areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

In response, the Pakistani government condemned India's actions, labelling them an "act of war." Pakistan authorised retaliatory airstrikes, and the National Security Council sanctioned further military measures. Both countries have reported dozens of casualties, with casualties reported on both sides, including both fatalities and injuries.

On May 10, Pakistan escalated its military response by launching a major operation aimed at retaliating for the earlier Indian airstrikes. The Pakistani Army reportedly carried out high-precision strikes targeting key Indian military installations. Pakistan claims that these strikes have resulted in significant casualties among Indian forces, with ongoing operations in the region.

By Sabina Mammadli