Our nation’s history is etched with innumerable stories of the Pakistan Air Force’s watchfulness and vigilance that not only safeguarded our skies but also proved unmatched superiority over the Indian Air Force.

In recent history, the world witnessed the operational excellence and unflinching spirit of the PAF on two major occasions: first, during Operation Swift Retort on 27 February 2024, the lessons of which were carried forward to Marka-e-Haq on 7 May 2025. In a resounding success, the message of the PAF was reverberant: any form of aggression against Pakistan will be met with a swift, calibrated, and effective response.

Commemorating the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort at the Air Headquarters, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu underscored the posture of Pakistan as a responsible country desiring peace with honour. The enemy’s cowardice, shown by its decision to challenge Pakistan’s sovereignty in the darkness of night, revealed its unawareness and severe miscalculation of Pakistan’s resolve and capability.

India’s decision was propelled by nothing other than the pretext of falsehood, a series of lapses in judgement, and sheer ignorance. As sentinels of Pakistan’s skies, the valorous PAF personnel showcased unmatched professionalism by fearlessly punching the adversary back through a broad, well-calibrated, and measured response, through which strategic deterrence was re-established, clearly signalling that any threat to Pakistan’s skies will be met with decisive action.

The enemy’s arrogance, stemming from its greater numbers, was dealt with through a swift response in broad daylight. It illustrated strict adherence to the rules of engagement, showing a mastery of modern aerial warfare.

PAF’s achievements are a visible manifestation of its mettle and an evident personification of “second to none”, undoubtedly ringing true the timeless words of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah that “a country without a strong Air Force is at the mercy of any aggressor”. PAF embodied determination and loyalty, the assets deemed essential for success by the Quaid.

It was also the personal conviction of the founder of the nation that numbers carry little significance; what matters more is team spirit and the prevalence of a strict sense of discipline. The Quaid also charged the Air Force to become worthy of Pakistan through self-reliance. Indubitably, PAF leadership proved its words to achieve air dominance.

To hasten the development of indigenous aviation-related programmes, precision weaponry, and avionics systems, the Chief of the Air Staff conceived, spearheaded, and executed the opening of NASTP’s multiple chapters all over Pakistan

To hasten the development of indigenous aviation-related programmes, precision weaponry, and avionics systems, the Chief of the Air Staff conceived, spearheaded, and executed the opening of NASTP’s multiple chapters all over Pakistan

Following the Swift Retort, PAF underwent phenomenal progression and operational development, despite fiscal restraints, whilst understanding the modern dictates of war, through its indigenisation and modernisation journey. The present leadership of ACM Baber Sidhu oversaw PAF’s transition to a Next Generation Air Force.

This was made possible through the recalibration of the Air Force’s operational doctrine as well as smart and vigorous pursuit, induction, and operationalisation of state-of-the-art combat and combat support capabilities. The aforementioned included advanced fighter jets, long-range precision-guided munitions, UAVs, and multi-layered air defence systems.

To hasten the development of indigenous aviation-related programmes, precision weaponry, and avionics systems, the Chief of the Air Staff conceived, spearheaded, and executed the opening of NASTP’s multiple chapters all over Pakistan.

Additionally, it was in record time that a unique home-grown kill chain was developed by the PAF through the employment of indigenously built cyber, space, and electronic warfare assets. A consolidation of coherent multi-domain operational capabilities was formulated as a result.

Continuing its tradition of underestimating the prowess and will of the Pakistan Armed Forces to defend their motherland, the aggressor, under the pretext of a false-flag operation, without separating fact from truth, challenged the sovereignty of Pakistan in the early hours of May 2025. Nonetheless, the enemy was taken aback and left flabbergasted by the intense retaliation of the PAF, which, for the first time in history, conducted a flawless full-spectrum and multi-domain operation, excellently choreographed under the PAF leadership.

This led to the decisive overpowering of the IAF, which, despite fighting professionally, lost some of its most advanced platforms: four Rafales, one SU-30 MKI, one Mirage-2000, and one Mig-29, and notably a Heron drone, among many other downed UAVs. Interestingly, President Trump has stated the number of Indian downed aircraft to be 11, due to PAF’s successful engagement with IAF aircraft in a target-rich environment, adding numbers to include PAF’s unclaimed kills.

Bunyan-ul-Marsoos also saw the targeting of 34 strategic Indian targets deep into the enemy’s territory, which included more than 16 airfields, brigade headquarters, command and control centres, as well as BrahMos storage sites. One of the most remarkable achievements was the neutralisation of India’s much-boasted S-400 air defence system’s two batteries at Bhuj and Adampur. Delivering on the vision of the Quaid and exceeding the expectations of the people of Pakistan, PAF will always remain an emblem of this nation’s pride.

Conclusively, PAF’s operations from Swift Retort to Zarb-e-Karrar have been a momentous demonstration of professionalism in modern aerial warfare. They will be remembered as victories over the enemy made possible because of national unity and a visionary leadership’s unwavering commitment to professional excellence.

© The Friday Times