India Shoots Down Pakistan's F-16, Two JF-17s After Drone & Missile Attacks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): The Indian Army gave a befitting reply to the drone and missile attacks by Pakistan on the western border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'. According to the Indian Army, Pakistan carried out several attacks on the intervening night of 8 and 9 May, which were successfully foiled by the Indian Army.

The Additional Directorate General of Public Information of the Indian Army gave this information on its official 'X' handle and reiterated its commitment to protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The post further reads- "The Indian Army is committed to protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. All nefarious intentions will be responded to with force."

Information received from government sources has also made it clear that when Pakistan tried to attack several areas of Jammu and Punjab, India gave it a befitting reply and also shot down Pakistan's F-16 fighter plane and two JF-17 planes. On Thursday, Pakistan tried to target several parts of India, but the Indian air defense also shot down the drones sent by them. India also shot down their airborne warning and control system flying in Pakistan's Punjab province.

On the other hand, drone attacks were also foiled in Udhampur in Jammu and Kashmir and Jaisalmer in Rajasthan. A drone was shot down in Akhnoor in Jammu. Two 'kamikaze' drones were also shot down in Poonch. According to sources, India's surface-to-air missile (SAM) shot down Pakistan's F-16 aircraft near Sargodha airbase. F-16 is one of the most important fighter aircraft of Pakistan, which it had acquired from America. Along with this, JF-17 is also an important aircraft.

On Thursday night, Pakistan tried to attack Jaisalmer in Rajasthan with missiles, but India's air defense system responded immediately. According to sources, so far more than 70 missiles have been destroyed in the air, causing no damage on the ground.

As tensions escalated, Pakistan simultaneously attacked several areas of Jammu, including the airport. Rockets were fired at Jammu from across the international border on Thursday night. Indian air defence intercepted these rockets mid-way.

Pakistan fired unprovoked in Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Samba and Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday evening. Indian S-400 air defence system intercepted eight Pakistani missiles mid-air at Jammu airport, Samba, RS Pura, Arnia and adjoining areas. Two Pakistani drones were also shot down near Jammu University.

A joint defence statement said, "Pakistan attacked Army bases in Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur with missiles and drones but there was no damage. The Indian Army neutralised these threats as per laid down procedures."

All this happened within 48 hours of India's crackdown on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir under 'Operation Sindoor'.