The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) announced on Wednesday that the Pakistan Army had successfully shot down another Indian spying quadcopter that had intruded into the country’s airspace along the Line of Control (LoC).
The incident occurred on February 25, with the ISPR reporting that the Pakistan Army downed the Indian spy drone violating the Line of Control at 12:55 pm. Subsequently, on February 26, the remains of the quadcopter were discovered in Pakistani territory along the LoC, bearing the insignia of an Indian Army unit, confirming its ownership.
This event comes as Pakistan commemorates the 5th anniversary of “Operation Swift Retort,” known as Surprise Day in the country, which marked a significant response to Indian aggression on February 27, 2019. The ISPR statement highlighted the resolve of the Pakistani people and the professionalism of the Armed Forces in countering unwarranted aggression from India.
The statement emphasized the operational ascendance of Pakistan’s Armed Forces over the Indian side, acknowledging the steadfastness and competence of Pakistan’s military.
On February 27, 2019, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) successfully shot down two Indian aircraft, capturing an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot in the process. The Indian incursion followed earlier claims of a “surgical strike” in Balakot, which Pakistan denied, challenging New Delhi’s assertions of casualties and destruction. Independent reports, including satellite images reviewed by Reuters, contradicted the Indian claims.
In response, PAF jets crossed the Line of Control, leading to a dogfight in which an Indian MiG-21 was shot down on the Pakistani side of the border. The arrest of the ejected pilot was an unexpected setback for India, challenging its claims of military invincibility and supremacy.