Pakistan’s military confirmed intercepting and destroying 25 Indian drones in cities including Lahore, Karachi, Rawalpindi, and Attock. ISPR chief Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry said the strikes highlight India’s dangerous provocations, threatening both regional and global peace.
The drones, identified as Israeli-made Harop MK 2 models with UK-manufactured engines, were recovered with intact markings. This marks the first successful global interception of this UAV type.
Read more: Unprovoked Indian Aggression: Pakistan Responds Decisively
These attacks follow a recent Indian missile strike that killed 31 and injured 57 in Pakistan. In response, the Pakistan Air Force launched retaliatory strikes, downing multiple Indian fighter jets, including four French-made Rafale jets. Pakistan claims it could have destroyed more but showed restraint.
Officials suggest India is using drone warfare to cover recent military losses and to divert domestic attention. Pakistan’s military remains on high alert, pledging a “firm and proportionate” response to any aggression.
Tensions escalated after the April 22 attack in Pahalgam, IIOJK, which killed 26. India blamed Pakistan without evidence, prompting Islamabad to strongly deny involvement. India then closed the Wagah border, suspended the Indus Waters Treaty, and canceled Pakistani visas. Pakistan retaliated by sealing its side of the Wagah crossing and warning that blocking water would be considered an act of war.
Explosions were reported across Pakistan on Wednesday. Soon after, Pakistan launched immediate counterattacks, claiming the downing of five Indian jets. A French intelligence source confirmed to CNN that one Rafale was indeed lost—the first ever in combat.
Experts now say Pakistan’s Chinese-made J-10C jets are effectively challenging India’s air superiority, potentially shifting the region’s power balance.
