We do not initiate aggression, but if challenged, we will respond with full force, as demonstrated on 27th February."
– Pakistan Air Force
“On 27th February, Pakistan reminded the world: We seek peace, but we are always ready for war if forced
A lesson written in the sky with courage and precision – 27th February, a day of national pride.On February 27, 2019, Pakistan Air Force launched retaliatory measures against Indian military planes that had violated Pakistani airspace. The PAF shot down two Indian fighter jets and captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. This incident sparked tensions between the two countries and resulted in further conflicts in the following days.
On 26th February 2019, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets crossed into Pakistani airspace and conducted an airstrike in Balakot, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. India claimed it targeted a terrorist training camp operated by Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). However, Pakistan denied these claims, stating that the strike caused no casualties or infrastructure damage. The escalation set the stage for Pakistan’s retaliatory response.
On 26th February 2019, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out airstrikes in Balakot, claiming to target terrorist camps. The very next day, on 27th February, Indian fighter jets crossed the Line of Control (LoC), violating Pakistan’s sovereign airspace. In response, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) swiftly engaged, leading to an aerial dogfight that resulted in the downing of an Indian MiG-21 and the capture of its pilot, Wing Commander.
