On the sixth anniversary of “Operation Swift Retort,” Pakistan commemorates the Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) successful response to India’s “Balakot Strikes” of February 26, 2019. This operation, which took place on February 27, 2019, saw the PAF down an Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jet over Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK).
The events unfolded after India violated the Line of Control (LoC) with the Balakot Strikes. In response, the PAF crossed the LoC, issued warning shots at Indian military positions, and later engaged and shot down two IAF jets during a subsequent aerial confrontation.
Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, the pilot of one of the downed IAF jets, was captured and subsequently released by Pakistan as a gesture of goodwill. The PAF pilots who participated in the operation were awarded military honors for their actions.
Operation Swift Retort is remembered as a demonstration of Pakistan’s commitment to its sovereignty and the operational readiness of its armed forces. The Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) and the services chiefs have reaffirmed their dedication to national security and regional peace. The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) emphasized that Pakistan’s armed forces remain vigilant and prepared to defend the nation.
