Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated sharply in recent days, following a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, 2025, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack, a charge that Pakistan has denied.
In response to the Pahalgam attack, India launched missile strikes on multiple locations within Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir on Wednesday, under the codename 'Operation Sindoor'. Pakistan's defense chief stated that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) downed five Indian Air Force (IAF) jets in response to these strikes. According to Pakistani security sources, the downed Indian aircraft included three Rafale jets, a MiG-29, and one SU-30.
Amid the escalating conflict, the Indian Air Force (IAF) reportedly shot down a Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet and two JF-17 aircraft on Thursday after Pakistan allegedly attempted to strike multiple locations in Jammu and Punjab. According to sources, an Indian surface-to-air missile (SAM) shot down the F-16 near the Sargodha air base. The F-16, manufactured by Lockheed Martin, has been a primary fighter jet for Pakistan since the late 1980s.
Furthermore, India claimed to have destroyed a Pakistani Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft over Punjab province. Sources indicate the AWACS was shot down inside Pakistani territory. AWACS aircraft are critical for long-range radar surveillance and command and control of air defense, providing real-time situational awareness.
On Thursday night, Pakistan launched a missile strike towards Jaisalmer in Rajasthan, prompting a response from India's air defense network, which intercepted and destroyed over 70 missiles in mid-air. India Today reported that Pakistan launched drones and missiles towards cities across border states, but the Indian Army stated that these attacks were neutralized.
Multiple explosions were heard over Srinagar on Saturday morning, with simultaneous reports of explosions at three Pakistani air bases. Pakistan has claimed that India fired missiles at three of its air bases but that most of the missiles were intercepted. The Pakistani military stated it used medium-range Fateh missiles to target an Indian missile storage facility and airbases in Pathankot and Udhampur.
Due to the escalating tensions, Pakistan has closed its airspace. Several northern Indian airports, including Srinagar Airport, have also been temporarily shut for commercial operations. Airports in Jammu, Leh, Jodhpur, Amritsar, Bhuj, Jamnagar, Chandigarh, and Rajkot have also been affected, with airlines canceling or diverting flights. Reportedly, 32 airports have been shut for civilian flights until May 15.
