Overview
- Addressing cadets at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said the force is now stronger and better prepared if Pakistan’s sovereignty is challenged again.
- He reiterated that on May 6–7 the PAF downed multiple advanced Indian jets — including Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000 and MiG-29 — in intense beyond‑visual‑range engagements.
- He said May 10 joint operations with the Pakistan Army struck deep targets, neutralising an S‑400 air defence system and key command‑and‑control nodes.
- Calling it the PAF’s first full‑spectrum, multi‑domain operation, he cited integration of space, cyber and electronic warfare with long‑range vectors, drones, killer drones and loitering munitions.
- Sidhu credited tri‑service coordination and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir’s leadership, claimed the actions are backed by evidence and are being studied internationally, and highlighted modernization via Smart Induction and NASTP as well as training links with Saudi cadets.