Pakistan’s military has confirmed the interception and destruction of 25 Indian drones across multiple locations, including Lahore, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi, Chakwal, Bahawalpur, Mianwali, Karachi, Chor, Miano, and Attock.
Announcing the development on Thursday, Director General of Inter-Services Public Relations (DG ISPR) Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry highlighted that the international community can clearly witness the dangerous trajectory India is following through these provocative military actions, which are threatening not just regional stability but also broader global security.
The drone strikes follows a recent Indian missile attack that martyred 31 people and wounded 57 in multiple locations across Pakistan.
Israeli weapons used to attack Pakistan
The drones used by India in the latest attacks were identified as Israeli-made Harop MK 2 models, which are high-altitude surveillance UAVs capable of flying at up to 35,000 feet, beyond the range of most standard anti-aircraft guns.
The engine, produced by UK-based UAV Engines Ltd, was recovered intact with visible manufacturer markings. This marks the first successful interception of this drone model globally.
Following Pakistan Air Force’s strong retaliation to Indian airstrikes on May 6–7, during which multiple Indian fighter jets were downed, security sources suggest the Indian Air Force is now hesitant to launch further manned missions.
Security officials added that India is attempting to divert attention from its military setbacks and of continuing provocative actions to appease its domestic audience.
Pakistan’s armed forces remain on high alert, responding to each act of aggression with what officials describe as a “firm and proportionate” approach.
The latest escalation comes after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), which killed 26 people. India immediately blamed Pakistan-based elements for the attack, but provided no evidence. Islamabad has strongly rejected the accusations.
In retaliation, India shut the Wagah land border on April 23, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and revoked Pakistani visas. Pakistan responded by declaring any disruption of water flow an “act of war” and closing the Wagah crossing on its side.
Pakistan’s immediate retaliation to Indian attack
Reports began emerging on Wednesday from across Pakistan, including Muzaffarabad, Kotli, Muridke, and Bahawalpur, detailing explosions.
Shortly after, Lt Gen Chaudhry confirmed that Indian airstrikes had targeted multiple locations. Pakistan’s response was swift, involving both air and ground operations.
Within the first hour, Pakistan announced the downing of five Indian fighter jets, including four Rafale jets—advanced aircraft purchased by India from France to strengthen its defenses following the failed Balakot operation.
“Pakistan could have shot down 10 Indian fighter jets,” Lt Gen Chaudhry said in a press conference. “But Pakistan chose to exercise restraint.”
Despite the scale of Pakistan’s response, Indian media remained silent about the losses. The Hindu newspaper initially reported the downing of three Indian jets, but the story was later removed, possibly under pressure from the Indian government to avoid further embarrassment.
An American commentator on CNN remarked that the potential loss of Rafale jets would deal a significant blow to India’s claim of air superiority, which it had built around the induction of these French-made warplanes.
Some experts suggested that the confrontation between the two countries served as a test of both Chinese and Western military technologies, particularly after Pakistan’s acquisition of J-10C jets from China in response to India’s Rafale fleet.
A senior French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that one Rafale jet had indeed been shot down by Pakistan, marking the first time one of these advanced French aircraft had been lost in combat.
Analysts have noted that China’s J-10C jets, which Pakistan acquired after India’s Rafale induction, are proving to be highly effective, potentially shifting the regional balance of power.
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