Pakistan commemorates second anniversary of ‘Operation Swift Retort’ and downing of two Indian fighter jets on February 27th 2019.
27th February 2019 remains an unquestionable attestation of the metaphor “It’s the man behind the gun that matters,” as Pakistan Air Force (PAF) overwhelmingly outclassed an adversary which enjoyed numerical superiority.
Accentuating PAF’s role in preserving Pakistan’s territorial sovereignty, DG ISPR Major General Babar Iftikhar lauded its professionalism that is at par with any other air force in the world.
“27th Feb, 2019 is testament that Pak AF, with support of the nation, will always defend the motherland against all threats. It is not numbers but courage and will of a resilient nation that triumphs in the end, he said.
The army spokesperson also reiterated that Pakistan stands for peace but shall respond with full might in case of any misadventure by the enemy.
27th Feb, 2019 is testament that Pak AF, with support of the nation, will always defend the motherland against all threats. It is not numbers but courage & will of a resilient nation that triumphs in the end. Pak stands 4 peace but when challenged, shall respond with full might
— DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) February 27, 2021
Addressing the event, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan reiterated PAF’s resolve and reediness to defend the motherland.
PAF Chief also reassured the countrymen that any aggression will be duly and effectively responded as it was two years ago on 27th February 2019.
Operation Swift Retort
On 27 February 2019, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in its operation ‘Swift Retort’ conducted six airstrikes at multiple locations in Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOJK) in retaliation to the Indian Air Force (IAF) incursion into Pakistani territory a day earlier.
A dogfight followed between IAF and PAF jets which resulted in two IAF jets, an SU-30MKI and a Mig-21 being shot down by PAF.
The IAF Mig-21 was piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman who crashed inside Pakistani territory and was captured by Pakistan Army.
On the same day, one Indian Mi-17 helicopter was shot down in a friendly fire incident after it was targeted by SPYDER air defense system of the Indian Army. The helicopter crash killed six Indian Air Force personnel and one civilian in the Budgam district.
Captured IAF pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman was later released and returned back to India as a goodwill gesture by Pakistan to diffuse the tension between two nuclear armed countries.
