PM Sharif: Pakistan downed six Indian jets in recent stand-off

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has confirmed that the country’s air force shot down six Indian military aircraft during a recent escalation between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, as tensions flared dangerously along the border last week.

Speaking during a visit to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) base in Kamra, Sharif said the sixth aircraft was brought down during the night of May 6–7, at the height of the standoff between Islamabad and New Delhi, Caliber.Az reports per Pakistani media.

The skirmish, which nearly pushed the two sides into open conflict, reportedly involved high-performance Indian fighter jets.

“This is yet another testament to the combat proficiency of the Pakistan Air Force and the unwavering commitment of our armed forces,” the prime minister said during his address to air force personnel.

According to Pakistani officials, the downed Indian aircraft include three Rafale jets, one Sukhoi Su-30, one MiG-29, and one Mirage 2000. In addition to the fighter jets, the PAF and other branches of Pakistan’s military claim to have neutralised 85 Indian drones, comprising one Israeli-made Heron UAV and 84 quadcopters and reconnaissance drones.

The incident follows several days of heightened military activity along the border, with both countries accusing each other of violating airspace and engaging in provocative manoeuvres.

At a joint press briefing, Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed, a senior officer in the PAF, declared what he described as a “6–0 victory” for Pakistan over India’s air force during the brief conflict. Standing alongside military spokesperson Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, he credited the air force’s high state of readiness and adherence to operational protocols for the outcome.

“The PAF was fully alert in both peacetime and wartime conditions. We executed our right to self-defence against those who targeted Pakistan,” said AVM Aurangzeb.

He also detailed the country’s integrated air defence efforts, noting that Indian drones and missiles were closely monitored and countered using electronic warfare measures. In areas where civilian casualties were a concern, the air force employed "hard kill" tactics only as a last resort, he added.

The developments have raised fresh concerns about stability in the region, with international observers urging restraint and dialogue to de-escalate the situation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev