ISLAMABAD : Defense Reporter – Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu revealed details of operational strategy that successfully countered Indian aggression during Marka-e-Haq and resulted in the downing of several Indian fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft. “In the initial phase, we deliberately deployed towards the southern sector to draw out Indian aircraft stationed at Ambala and Gwalior, including their primary offensive platform — the Rafale jets, he has shared.
Addressing a ceremony at Air Headquarters in Islamabad marking one year of Marka-e-Haq, the air chief said Pakistan’s success in the conflict was achieved through a unified national response, professional excellence and the blessings of Almighty Allah.
He said Pakistan’s strikes disrupted India’s power and transportation systems, crippled key operational facilities and destroyed advanced military assets, including Rafale fighter jets and sophisticated S-400 air defence batteries.
He stated that after the Pahalgam incident, India created a highly hostile regional environment, prompting Pakistan to activate precautionary operational measures while maintaining the highest level of military readiness.
According to Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, the Pakistan Air Force immediately declared its highest alert status and intensified full-spectrum surveillance to monitor enemy activity and aerial deployments in real time.
He said the PAF maintained a robust defensive counter-air posture through continuous combat air patrols, time-sensitive scrambles and round-the-clock monitoring using airborne early warning systems integrated with Pakistan’s advanced air defence network.
The air chief disclosed that Indian attempts to conceal operational deployments and strategic positioning were effectively neutralised through Pakistan’s intelligence-driven aerial operations.
Air Chief Marshal Sidhu termed the operation a historic milestone, saying the Pakistan Air Force conducted a full-spectrum multi-domain operation for the first time in the history of aerial warfare.
“The world witnessed a superbly executed operation that was excellently choreographed and flawlessly implemented,” he said, adding that the PAF successfully targeted several high-value and high-visibility enemy installations.
“The enemy was virtually brought to its knees far earlier than anticipated,” he remarked.
The air chief highlighted that the core of Pakistan’s success was its indigenous “kill chain”, which seamlessly integrated surveillance, targeting, command systems, electronic warfare and strike capabilities into a unified operational force package.
He added that despite possessing the capability to escalate further, Pakistan exercised restraint and employed force in a calibrated and responsible manner.
Discussing future preparedness, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said the Pakistan Air Force remained fully focused on addressing emerging warfare challenges and enhancing operational capabilities through indigenous technological advancement.
He noted that multiple projects under the National Aerospace Science and Technology Park (NASTP) were progressing rapidly and would significantly strengthen Pakistan’s aerospace and defence capabilities.
The air chief also praised the role of the PAF’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) branches, describing them as the backbone of the force’s integrated operational capability.
“Our communication network and digital connectivity remained resilient, secure and redundant throughout the operation, forming the foundation of our integrated combat response,” he said.
Reaffirming the PAF’s commitment to national defence, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu said the force would continue to live up to the expectations of the Pakistani nation and remain a symbol of pride, strength and resilience for the country.
