Pakistani Air Force fighter jet shot down by Indian forces in Pathankot sector: Report

Police personnel and others stand near metal debris at an open field at Makhan Windi village, amid tension between India and Pakistan

A Pakistani Air Force (PAF) fighter aircraft was reportedly shot down by Indian air defence systems in the Pathankot sector of Punjab, according to multiple sources cited by news agency ANI on Friday. An official confirmation from the government is awaited, with further details expected to emerge soon.

Earlier in the day, defence sources said that the Indian Army also shot down two Pakistani drones in the Naushera sector of Jammu and Kashmir. This happened during a heavy exchange of artillery fire between Indian and Pakistani forces in the area.

According to the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff, Pakistan also tried to target military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, which are close to the International Border (IB).

However, the Indian Armed Forces successfully responded to the attack, and no loss of life was reported. In a post on social media platform X, the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff stated: "Military Stations of Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur in proximity to the International Boundary, in Jammu and Kashmir targeted by Pakistan using missiles and drones. No losses. Threat neutralised by Indian Armed Forces as per SoP with kinetic and non-kinetic means."

"Military stations at Jammu, Pathankot and Udhampur were targeted by Pakistani-origin drones and missiles along the International Border in Jammu and Kashmir today," a defence ministry spokesperson said. "The threats were swiftly neutralised using kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities in line with established standard operating procedures (SOPs)," he said.

"No casualties or material losses were reported," the official added as the second day of the confrontation between the two militaries further escalated the already tense situation. Military sources said missiles from Pakistan were also directed at Jammu's Satwari, Samba, RS Pura and Arnia towns and that they were blocked by India's air defence systems.

Indian military officials said the Pakistani drones and missiles were effectively engaged by Indian armed forces and the attempts by the enemy were thwarted.