IAF presents evidence of shooting down F-16 Pak jet by MiG 21 in aerial combat

New Delhi: In a joint press conference by the Indian Army, Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy today here in New Delhi, IAF Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor stated that on February 27 at around 1000 hrs Indian Air Force Radars detected a large package of Pakistan Airforce Aircraft heading towards the Indian Territory towards general area Jangarh.

As per reports presented by IAF, they breached the Indian Air space west of Rajouri in the Sundarbani Area.

Air Vice Marshal, Kapoor also mentioned that the Pakistan aircraft was observed to be at various levels, following which the IAF fighters including MiG-21 Bison, Sukhoi-30 MKI and Mirage 2000 were tasked to intercept the intruding Pakistan Aircrafts.

"The Pakistan Air force Aircrafts attempting to target the military installations, whereas intercepted by IAF fighter aircraft which foiled their attack. Although PAF bombs have fallen in the Indian Army formation compounds, however, they were unable to cause any damage to the military installations," said Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor.

He also mentioned that in the aerial combat, one F-16 of Pakistan Air Force was shot down by Indian Air Force MiG-21 aircraft on Wednesday. "The F-16 aircraft crashed and fell across the Line of Control (LoC) then occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The IAF lost one MiG-21 aircraft in the aerial engagement," Kapoor added.

It has also been mentioned that one IAF pilot who ejected safely and drifted towards PoK region. He was later taken into custody by Pakistan Army.

Kapoor also claimed that there have been many factually incorrect statements that have been made by Pakistan.

"The first dis-information by Pakistan was that the two IAF aircraft was shot down by Pakistan and three pilots of IAF were down, this figure was later revised downwards to two IAF aircraft and two pilots. The fact, however, is that the Indian Army units had reported citing two parachutes falling in PoK which were of two F-16 pilots of aircraft that were shot down by MiG-21. Pakistan later in the evening changed its statement and said that one IAF pilot was there in their custody. Therefore, it was only in the late evening that Pakistan accepted the fact," adding, "Secondly, Pakistan claimed that they intentionally dropped weapons in open space where there was no human presence or military posts. The fact is that the Pakistan Air Force aircraft targeted military installations. However, they were intercepted by IAF aircraft which foiled their plans," stated Air Vice Marshal.

IAF chief further stated that Pakistan earlier stated that no F-16 were used in the operation and no Pakistani planes were downed by IAF. There is enough evidence to show that F-16 was used in this mission through the electronic signatures and thereafter Pakistan is trying to hide this fact. Also, parts of AMRAAM air to air missiles which are carried only in the Pakistan F-16 aircraft was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian Territory. Therefore the fact remains that one F-16 aircraft was shot down by an IAF MiG-21 bison.

The Air Vice Marshal also alerted the Pakistan counterpart that IAF remains ever vigilant, ready and committed to taking on any eventuality.

IAF also stated their happiness over the fact that Pakistan has announced that the Wing Commander Abhinandan will return to India tomorrow.

At least 35 ceasefire violations by Pakistan near LoC since last two days: Indian Army

On the other hand, Major General Surinder Singh Bahal of Indian Army said that in response to the counter-terrorist strike by the IAF, Pakistan Army first resorted to unprovoked ceasefire violations in Sundarbani, Bhimber Gali, Noushera and Krishnaghati sectors on February 26, 2019. With effect from 5 o'clock in the evening and again during the night. This was responded by the Indian Army in a befitting and appropriate manner.

Major General Bahal also claimed that on February 27, the Pakistan Aircrafts targeted the Brigade Headquarter, Battalion headquarter, the Defences and the logistic installations.

"However, due to high-level of preparedness along the LoC and the immediate response given by our own forces, the Pakistani Air Forces attempts were foiled. We continue to maintain strict vigil along both the LoC and the International Border. Ground-based air defense weapon system has been put on high alert all along the LoC and also in some parts of the IB," said Major General Bahal.

Major General also assured the nation that the Indian Army is fully prepared to respond to any provocation by neighbouring country Pakistan. He further mentioned that there has been 35 ceasefire violations by Pakistan since last two days.

Furthermore, Navy Rear Admiral DS Gujral also briefed the media that the Indian Navy has been deployed in a high state of readiness and remains poised in all the three dimensions on the surface, undersea and in the air to deter, prevent and defeat any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain. "I can assure of a resolute, swift and strong response by Navy when needed," said DS Gujral.