Officially confirmed the successful downing of a Pakistani Mirage fighter jet during the swift and powerful Operation Sindoor, which was launched in response to the deadly Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 innocent lives on April 22. The operation, executed in the early hours of May 7, lasted just 25 minutes but has sent a strong signal across the border. In a high-level tri-services press briefing held in New Delhi, senior military commanders from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy came together to present the full details of the retaliatory strikes. The session was led jointly by Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai (DGMO), Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti (Director General Air Operations), and Vice Admiral AN Pramod (Director General of Naval Operations).
The press conference opened with video footage showing the wreckage of the downed Pakistani Mirage, confirming India’s successful air engagement. According to Indian intelligence reports, the April 22 Pahalgam attack was orchestrated by Lashkar-e-Taiba, with support from factions within the Pakistani military establishment.
Air Vice Marshal AK Bharti highlighted the operational excellence of India’s indigenous defense systems, especially the Akash air defence system, which played a pivotal role during the aerial engagements. “Our battle-proven systems stood the test of time. The Akash system’s performance was stellar, and credit must be given to the consistent policy and budgetary support from the Government of India over the past decade,” he stated.
Operation Sindoor, carried out by a coordinated strike force, targeted nine confirmed terrorist sites four within mainland Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). These were facilities known to be connected to Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, and Hizbul Mujahideen. According to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the operation successfully neutralized over 100 terrorists and destroyed critical infrastructure, including weapon storage and communication hubs. As expected, the Pakistani response was swift. Within hours of the Indian strikes, Pakistan launched a wave of drone and missile attacks targeting military installations and civilian areas in Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and Rajasthan. These attacks triggered widespread air raid sirens, city-wide blackouts, and emergency evacuations across multiple regions, including Chandigarh, Jaisalmer, and Pathankot.
Indian officials reported limited damage to facilities in Udhampur, Adampur, Bhuj, and Pathankot. However, civilian casualties were noted, including injuries in Ferozepur and the death of a government employee in Rajouri due to a drone strike. Despite the escalation, Indian air defence held firm. “Numerous waves of drones and unmanned combat aerial vehicles were thwarted using both soft and hard kill counter-UAS systems, operated by our well-trained Air Defence personnel,” Air Vice Marshal Bharti explained. The use of advanced anti-drone technologies, including systems developed indigenously, showcases India’s growing self-reliance in national security. While some facilities faced minor disruptions, the overall defensive posture remains strong and resilient.
The Indian military has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the nation's integrity and preventing cross-border terror threats. The message from the briefing was clear: India will respond swiftly, decisively, and with full force when provoked. Operation Sindoor has already garnered international attention, with strategic analysts calling it a precise and controlled counterstrike aimed not just at neutralizing terrorists but also disrupting their ability to regroup.
In a region fraught with tension and historical complexities, the success of Operation Sindoor signals India’s technological, strategic, and military readiness in dealing with modern warfare be it aerial combat, drone swarms, or asymmetric threats. As the situation continues to evolve, diplomatic circles are watching closely for the next moves. For now, the Indian Armed Forces have made it clear: provocation will be met with precision, and terror will be answered with resolve.
