India Army shoots down Pakistan's JF-17 fighter jet in Pulwama amid Operation Sindoor

India's military launched a major offensive on May 7, 2025, under Operation Sindoor, targeting nine terrorist bases in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK). The airstrikes were carried out in retaliation for the recent Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 people. The Indian Army confirmed that the operation successfully destroyed multiple terrorist infrastructures used for training and launching attacks across the Line of Control (LoC). The strikes were aimed at eliminating terrorist bases rather than military installations, as stated by Indian officials.

Following the airstrikes, two fighter jets reportedly crashed in Jammu and Kashmir, one in Pampore and the other in Akhnoor. A helicopter also went down near Ramban. The precise causes of these crashes remain unclear, and no official statement has been issued regarding whether they are connected to the airstrikes. The Indian government has yet to confirm the status or casualties involved in these incidents, adding to the rising tension in the region.

In another significant development, India’s Air Defence forces successfully shot down a Chinese JF-17 fighter jet near Kashmir. The JF-17, a multi-role combat aircraft, is primarily used by the Pakistan Air Force and is a joint development between China and Pakistan. This marks a crucial escalation in airspace violations, as the aircraft was intercepted during the heightened military activities along the border. The downing of the JF-17 adds another layer to the growing security concerns in the region.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah has directed that citizens living near the border be relocated to bunkers in safe locations to ensure their protection amid the escalating violence. In his statement, Shah emphasized that the safety of civilians is a top priority during these operations, as cross-border shelling and aerial confrontations intensify. The government has urged residents to remain in shelters until the situation stabilizes.

As the situation develops, Pakistan has vowed to retaliate "forcefully," with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif calling for a unified response from the nation's armed forces. India, however, has maintained that its actions were a calculated response to the growing threat of terrorism and were specifically targeted at dismantling terrorist networks. The ongoing situation continues to escalate, with both countries bracing for further military actions along the LoC.