On May 6–7, 2025, amid escalating hostilities following the Pahalgam terror attack, Indian forces shot down a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jet, according to a report by IndiaTVNews.

The incident occurred in the Akhnoor region of Jammu and Kashmir, with some reports also mentioning Pulwama's Pampore as a site of attempted intrusion. The downed aircraft, a JF-17 Thunder, is a fourth-generation, single-engine multi-role combat jet jointly developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Corporation and Pakistan Aeronautical Complex.

This shoot-down was part of India's broader military response, codenamed Operation Sindoor, which targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) in retaliation for the Pahalgam attack that killed 26 people. Indian forces executed precision strikes, focusing on terror infrastructure rather than Pakistani military installations, as stated by Indian officials.

Details of The Shoot-Down

The JF-17 was reportedly attempting to intrude into Indian airspace when it was engaged and destroyed by Indian forces.

The jet crashed near Raja Chak village in the Akhnoor sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

Reports indicate the pilot was unable to eject and is presumed dead.

The incident is seen as a significant escalation and a pivotal moment in the ongoing stand-off between India and Pakistan.

Following the shoot-down and Indian strikes, Pakistan responded with heavy mortar shelling along the Line of Control (LoC), targeting Indian villages in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Both nations have accused each other of ceasefire violations, and the situation remains highly volatile, with international observers closely monitoring developments.

Significance

The destruction of the JF-17 underscores the rising tensions and the risk of broader conflict in the region. The event also highlights the operational capabilities of the Indian military, particularly in executing precision strikes against advanced, China-supplied military assets deployed by Pakistan.

EventDetails
DateMay 6–7, 2025
LocationAkhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir (also reported: Pampore, Pulwama)
Aircraft DownedJF-17 Thunder (China-Pakistan joint production)
OperationOperation Sindoor
Indian ActionsPrecision strikes on 9 terror camps in Pakistan and PoK
Pakistani ResponseHeavy shelling along LoC, accusations of ceasefire violations
Regional ImpactSignificant escalation, increased military activity, international concern

Conclusion

Indian forces have confirmed the shoot-down of a Pakistan Air Force JF-17 fighter jet as part of a broader retaliatory campaign targeting terror infrastructure, marking a critical escalation in India-Pakistan tensions.

Agencies