In a significant escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan, Indian air defence systems reportedly shot down a Pakistani F-16 and two JF-17 fighter jets, as well as an Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS), after Pakistan launched a series of attacks on Indian targets in Jammu and Punjab. This occurred within 48 hours of India’s "Operation Sindoor," which involved precision strikes on terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir in response to a militant attack in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir.

On Thursday night, Pakistan launched a coordinated assault with missile and drone attacks on various Indian sites, including military stations in Jammu, Pathankot, and Udhampur, as well as civilian infrastructure such as the Jammu Civil Airport. Pakistani troops also shelled areas along the Line of Control in regions like Kupwara, Baramulla, Poonch, Samba, and Uri. In response, India activated its missile defence systems, including the S-400, which successfully intercepted eight Pakistani missiles across key areas like Jammu airport and Samba. Indian forces also claimed to have shot down Pakistan's AWACS in Punjab, with the wreckage falling within Pakistan's territory.

The conflict also saw an increase in drone warfare, with India reporting the interception of multiple drone attacks in Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, and Akhnoor, including two kamikaze drones shot down in Poonch. Indian forces also downed two Pakistani drones near Jammu University. In retaliation, India reportedly neutralized Pakistan's air defence systems in Lahore.

The attacks caused explosions and blackouts in several Indian towns, including Jammu, Akhnoor, and Samba, with air raid sirens sounding in affected areas. Despite the intensity of the assault, Indian authorities reported no losses, stating that all threats were neutralized according to standard operating procedures. Pakistan, however, denied the drone attack allegations and called India's claims unfounded, while artillery exchanges and shelling between the two sides continued.

The hostilities resulted in civilian casualties on both sides, with Pakistan reporting 31 deaths from Indian air strikes and India stating that 16 fatalities occurred due to Pakistani fire in Kashmir. This confrontation represents the most serious military escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours in over two decades, with both nations claiming downed aircraft and intercepted attacks. The situation remains tense, with international observers and the United Nations calling for restraint amid fears of further escalation.