SOURCE: AFI
In a daring and highly coordinated military operation dubbed “Operation Sindoor,” the Indian Air Force (IAF) executed precision strikes that dealt a significant blow to the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), according to a report by the Asian News International (ANI). The operation targeted critical PAF assets, including two Saab 2000 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft, one of which was shot down deep inside Pakistani territory and another destroyed on the ground at the Bholari air base. The strikes, monitored by Indian satellites and AWACS, exposed vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s air defense strategy, particularly its attempt to shield high-value assets by blending them with commercial air traffic.
The ANI report reveals that, fearing India’s advanced S-400 air defense system, the PAF resorted to a desperate tactic during the operation. In an effort to protect its Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft—critical for airborne surveillance and command—the PAF attempted to position one of these assets among or near commercial airliners operating in Pakistani airspace. This move was likely intended to exploit the presence of civilian aircraft to deter Indian strikes, given the risk of collateral damage. However, the strategy failed spectacularly, as the IAF’s precision capabilities, bolstered by the S-400 system, successfully identified and neutralized one Saab 2000 AEW&C approximately 280-315 kilometers inside Pakistani territory.
The second Saab 2000 AEW&C was destroyed on the ground during a cruise missile strike on a hangar at the Bholari air base, which also housed three to four Western-origin fighter jets. The attack caused massive destruction, with the PAF yet to begin debris clearance, indicating the scale of the damage inflicted. The loss of two AEW&C platforms, which are pivotal for real-time battlefield awareness and coordination, represents a severe setback to Pakistan’s air defense capabilities.
The IAF’s ability to track and destroy the airborne Saab 2000, despite its proximity to commercial jets, underscores the sophistication of India’s military technology and intelligence-gathering capabilities. The S-400 system, known for its long-range precision and advanced radar, played a critical role in neutralizing the airborne target, demonstrating its effectiveness against high-value assets even in complex scenarios involving civilian air traffic.
Operation Sindoor also targeted another PAF air base in the Punjab sector, where three missiles struck different parts of the runways, grounding aircraft for at least eight hours. The operation’s success was closely monitored by Indian satellites and AWACS, ensuring real-time situational awareness and precision in execution.
The PAF’s attempt to use commercial airliners as a shield raises serious concerns about the safety of civilian aviation during military operations. By positioning military assets near civilian aircraft, the PAF potentially endangered innocent lives, a move that could draw international scrutiny. The failure of this tactic further highlights the IAF’s operational superiority and its ability to execute strikes with surgical precision, minimizing risks to non-military targets.
The destruction of two Saab 2000 AEW&C aircraft—one in the air and one on the ground—along with multiple fighter jets, significantly weakens the PAF’s operational capacity. The loss of these assets will likely hamper Pakistan’s ability to monitor and respond to aerial threats, leaving its air defenses compromised in the near term.
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