Locations of downed Indian aircraft disclosed

Security sources have said that multiple Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets, including Rafale aircraft, were shot down by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during recent cross-border hostilities, with wreckage reportedly found in several parts of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and Punjab.

According to Pakistani officials, the jets were downed on the night of May 6–7, following India’s reported missile strikes on six sites inside Pakistan. The PAF’s response included targeting IAF warplanes that allegedly launched missiles from within Indian territory without entering Pakistani airspace.

Security sources reported that:

• A jet crashed in Anantnag, with its ejection seat recovered in Gadool Kokernag.

• Another aircraft fell in Pampore, Pulwama, injuring both pilots.

• A third came down in Pantiyal/Ramsu, Ramban district; the pilot was moved to Udhampur Army Hospital.

• Two more aircraft were said to have crashed in Akhnoor (IIOJK) and Bathinda (Punjab).

• A Heron drone was also reportedly downed near Jammu.

The losses are being described by Pakistani analysts as a significant operational setback for the IAF, with defense experts citing flaws in India’s strategy.

Tensions escalated after a deadly attack on April 22 in Pahalgam, which left 26 dead. India blamed Pakistan-based groups, a claim Islamabad denied. In response, India suspended visas, closed the Wagah border, and pulled out of the Indus Waters Treaty.

Hostilities culminated in Pakistan launching “Operation Bunyaan-un-Marsoos” on May 9–10, targeting 26 Indian military installations.

The ISPR confirmed the death of 51 people on Pakistani soil, including 40 civilians and 11 soldiers.

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Despite a US-mediated ceasefire, intermittent skirmishes have persisted. Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti acknowledged potential aircraft losses, stating, “This is combat, and losses are part of it,” while maintaining that India’s strategic objectives were met.