PAF shot down several advanced Indian aircraft including Rafales, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu. Photo: YouTube
ISLAMABAD:
Chief of Air Staff Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Tuesday said the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) surprised the world with its decisive and coordinated response during the May 2025 conflict with India.
Addressing the passing out parade at PAF Academy in Risalpur, the air chief described PAF operations during Marka-e-Haq and Bunyanum Marsoos as a full-spectrum multi-domain engagement, the first of its kind.
He said Marka-e-Haq demonstrated Pakistan’s emergence as a regional stabilizer. “We live in difficult times and our adversaries have always tried to undermine our sovereignty. However, our armed forces defeated the enemy despite their much greater numerical strength,” he said.
“The world has never before seen such a coordinated and bold use of air power. This engagement has set a new benchmark for modern air warfare, and in 2025, the PAF once again demonstrated its overwhelming superiority,” he added.
The air chief revealed that for the first time in history, the PAF employed a comprehensive operational approach, integrating space, cyber and electronic warfare with long-range vectors, unmanned aerial systems, killer drones and loitering munitions.
From 6 to 7 May, the PAF shot down multiple advanced Indian aircraft including Rafales, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000, MiG-29 and unmanned aerial vehicles, setting up what ACM Sidhu described as one of the most intense Beyond Visual Range (BVR) engagements in modern times.
He noted that on May 10, in response to a pre-emptive action by India, Pakistan executed deep strikes against enemy bases and ground assets in the northern and southern sectors, neutralizing S-400 air defense systems and key command and control centres.
Highlighting the larger strategic context, ACM Sidhu said the success was a product of unified national efforts, blessings from Allah, aggressive decision-making and leadership of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir.
“The nation and its armed forces set a remarkable example of unity, determination and professionalism, defeating an enemy that enjoyed numerical superiority,” he said. “Our operations were calibrated and balanced, with a single objective: to guarantee peace with honor.”
“Pakistan is a peaceful country and seeks friendly relations with all nations,” he said. However, he warned that if Pakistan’s sovereignty is questioned again, the enemy will find the PAF much stronger and better prepared than before.
“As a responsible nuclear power, Pakistan’s global and regional relations have become stronger than ever, while the public’s unwavering trust in the armed forces is the result of decades of sincere service and sacrifice,” he added.
The air chief emphasized that the PAF’s performance in 2025 reflects years of modernization, restructuring and operational innovation. He highlighted Pakistan’s air power, its commitment to national defense and its full-fledged professional experience.
On the occasion, ACM Sidhu mentioned that the presence of Saudi cadets in the PAF Academy reflects the strong friendship and strategic cooperation between the armed forces of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.
While congratulating the graduating cadets, he said that they have been entrusted with the sacred duty of defending the air borders of the motherland, and on their shoulders rest the hopes of the entire nation.
The ceremony featured cadets from various courses including GD(P), Engineering, Air Defence, Navigation, Administration, Special Duties and Logistics, along with cadets from the Royal Saudi Air Force. The event included an aerial parade of PAF fighter jets and the Sherdil aerobatic team, showcasing the skill and professionalism of the air force.
(WITH INPUTS FROM THE NEWS DESK)
