India Downs Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-17 Fighter Jets, Captures Two Pilots Alive: Reports
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In a significant escalation along the India-Pakistan border, the Indian Armed Forces reportedly shot down three Pakistani fighter jets—one F-16 and two JF-17s—after Pakistan launched a coordinated attack involving missiles and drones targeting Jammu and surrounding areas.
Pak Pilot Captured in Jaisalmer: Sources
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) May 8, 2025
He (Pak pilot) will have to be repatriated under Geneva Convention; we can't use him as a negotiating tool…: @Iyervval speaks @NavikaKumar
NOTAM has been issued to 24 locations across India…: @ShreyaOpines with details. pic.twitter.com/f50EBtM5Aj
According to multiple reports, India’s advanced S-400 air defence systems successfully intercepted all incoming Pakistani missiles and drones, neutralizing the threat and averting potential damage. In a swift retaliatory move, Indian forces engaged and brought down three Pakistani jets attempting to breach Indian airspace.
BREAKING: Pakistani pilot captured alive in India.
— Manobala Vijayabalan (@ManobalaV) May 8, 2025
He was ejected from the downed F-16🛩️ pic.twitter.com/fN2Hn2NDXo
Two Pakistani fighter jet pilots have been captured alive by Indian authorities following the aerial encounter. One pilot was taken into custody in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, while the second was apprehended in Akhnoor, a town in Jammu district of Jammu and Kashmir. Both are believed to have ejected from the downed aircraft during the engagement.
#BREAKING
— Nabila Jamal (@nabilajamal_) May 8, 2025
2 pilots captured. One in Jaisalmer and one in Akhnoor https://t.co/EKARVDtlI2
Pakistan’s aggressive maneuver—launching multiple drones and missiles—was countered effectively by India’s layered air defence network, led by the S-400 system. This latest exchange is being seen as one of the most serious aerial confrontations between the two countries in recent times.
The Pakistani pilot in Indian custody apprehended in Jaisalmer – more details awaited – full coverage ongoing – here – https://t.co/UGMlpvcLU5
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) May 8, 2025
While official confirmation is awaited from the Indian government and armed forces, sources indicate that the captured Pakistani pilots were flying the fighter jets that were neutralized by Indian forces.
This development is expected to increase tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbours and has drawn widespread attention from global defence analysts and international observers.
