Pakistan’s cyberattack on Indian air force causes operational delays

The Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) cyber warfare unit has reportedly launched a sustained cyber offensive against the Indian Air Force’s Northern Air Command in Indian-administered Kashmir, security sources confirmed on May 10.

The cyberattack, which has been ongoing for over five hours, specifically targets network IPs linked to the Indian Air Command’s infrastructure. Indian military networks are experiencing repeated outages, with some systems rendered non-operational for extended periods, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“This is a strategic cyber response aimed at disabling enemy coordination capabilities,” a senior defence official stated on condition of anonymity. 

Sources suggest that the continued digital assault has severely impacted the Indian Air Force's command-and-control functions in the northern region, potentially causing delays in operational response and coordination.

The recent escalation was triggered by India’s launch of “Operation Sindoor” in the early hours of May 7. During the operation, the Indian Air Force conducted strikes on targets in Pakistan’s Punjab province and areas of Pakistan-administered Kashmir. New Delhi described the targets as terrorist infrastructure.

In response, the Pakistani government condemned the Indian action as an “act of war” and authorised retaliatory strikes. Pakistan’s National Security Council has sanctioned further military measures. Both nations have reported dozens of casualties, including dead and wounded on both sides.

On May 10, Pakistan launched a major military operation reportedly in retaliation for Indian airstrikes earlier in the week. The Pakistani Army has carried out a series of high-precision strikes targeting critical Indian military installations. Islamabad claims the strikes have caused significant casualties among Indian forces and that operations are ongoing.

By Sabina Mammadli