In a significant escalation under Operation “Bunyan al-Marsoos”, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has reportedly dealt a heavy blow to the Indian Air Force (IAF), with multiple Indian fighter jets crashing in various regions of Indian-administered Kashmir and beyond.
According to credible security sources, at least five Indian fighter aircraft crashed in separate incidents following PAF’s counter-air operations. The crashes, described as a “string of devastating blows” by defence analysts, have resulted in injuries, possible fatalities, and multiple pilots declared missing or seriously wounded.
Reported Crash Sites and Details:
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Anantnag: One IAF fighter jet crashed, with unconfirmed reports of the pilot’s death. An ejection seat from the jet was recovered in the Gadol Kokernag area.
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Pampore/Pulwama: A second aircraft went down, with both pilots severely injured and later transferred to a hospital in Srinagar, according to security officials.
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Ramban District (Pantiyal/Ramsoo): Another aircraft reportedly crashed. The pilot, Flying Officer Iqbal Singh, was injured and transported to the Army Hospital in Udhampur.
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Bharda Kalan, Akhnoor: A fighter jet crashed in an agricultural field. Both pilots ejected and sustained injuries. They were moved to a military hospital in Akhnoor.
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Bathinda Region: Yet another aircraft of the Indian Air Force reportedly went down, further compounding the IAF’s operational losses.
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In a separate incident, a Heron Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) of the Indian military was also shot down 13 nautical miles east of Jammu city, adding to the string of setbacks.
Strategic Impact and Analysis:
Defence analysts have described the developments as a “severe operational failure” for the Indian Air Force, noting that the successive aircraft losses raise serious concerns about the IAF’s preparedness, air defence, and tactical coordination.
The operation, dubbed “Marak e Haq” (The Decisive Battle) by Pakistan’s defence circles, is being hailed as a demonstration of PAF’s superior air combat capability and strategic precision.
Experts argue that the repeated downing of IAF jets “like toys”, as one analyst put it, reflects critical weaknesses in India’s aerial warfare doctrine.
Regional Tensions Escalate:
The scale and frequency of these crashes have caused alarm in New Delhi and sent shock-waves through India’s defence establishment. While official statements from the Indian government remain limited, the losses are being seen as a major setback to Indian military morale and credibility.
