Defence Security Asia On May 16, 2025, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down another Indian fighter jet during recent aerial engagements between both forces, including an IAF Mirage 2000 that has now come down. This followed earlier claims of downing five aircraft, increasing to six. Its Facebook +2 The Express Tribune +2 | Defence Security Asia Al Jazeera The Prime Minister made this comment while visiting the PAF operational base in Kamra. During his visit he lauded their performance and highlighted how the downing of Mirage 2000 near Pampore near Srinagar on May 6-7 had demonstrated their combat excellence and their resolve in protecting the nation. The Express Tribune Defence Security Asia According to reports, Pakistan allegedly downed six Indian aircraft including three Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one Su-30MKI and the recently confirmed Mirage 2000. These attacks are said to be in response to Indian missile strikes earlier this month and represent a response by their military against any further incursion into Pakistani air space by India. For more details see Defense Security Asia on Wikipedia or Business Recorder or Reuters India has not publicly confirmed these losses; however, its Air Force stated that “losses are an inherent part of combat”, but confirmed all pilots have returned home following recent clashes. Reuters + 1Wikipedia. India and Pakistan recently exchanged threats as tensions between them escalated in response to India’s Operation Sindoor, in which Indian forces targeted suspected terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-administered Kashmir and across Pakistan-controlled Kashmir. Pakistan claims its forces responded by shooting down Indian aircraft and drones – claims which Geo News, The Guardian, AP News all corroborate. International observers have witnessed Pakistani use of advanced military technologies such as Chinese-made PL-15 missiles and French Rafale jets from India during these engagements, as well as analysts emphasizing their significance in modern aerial warfare. Defence Security Asia by The US Sun +5 Reuters +5 @EconomicTimes +1 As tensions escalate, both nations have accused one another of aggression, prompting calls from international bodies urging restraint and dialogue in order to avoid further escalation.
