‘No Sukhoi Su-30 Was Shot Down, PAF Was Hastily Forced To Withdraw’: Indian Air Force Debunks Pakistani Claims

In a statement released today evening (5 March) the Indian Air Force (IAF) rejected Pakistani claims about an IAF Su-30 aircraft being shot down during the 27 February aerial engagement with the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) in Kashmir.

The statement said that PAF aircraft were engaged effectively by Mirage 2000, Sukhoi Su 30 and MiG-21 Bison aircraft of the IAF. During the combat it was ‘conclusively observed’ that PAF F-16 fighters were launching AMRAAM air to air missiles aimed at Indian jets.

It was also stated that the PAF was forced to hurriedly withdraw due to the IAF response.

The statement added that a prompt tactical action by the Su-30 aircraft in response to the AMRAAM launch foiled the strike.

The IAF statement further reiterated that effective counter measures/tactics ensured that all IAF Su 30 aircraft returned safely, unlike what Pakistan is now claiming. Parts of the AMRAAM missiles fell east of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in a civilian injury.

It was earlier confirmed by the IAF in a press conference that Pakistan dropped bombs fell inside Indian army compounds but failed to cause any significant damage due to its (IAF) swift response.

One F-16 shot was down by MiG-21 Bison which fell inside Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (POK).