The IAF, Army and Navy said that they were on high alert and that Pakistani jets tried to target Indian military installations but were pushed back. Air Vice Marshal R.G.K. Kapoor told the media at the press meet that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) breached the Indian airspace west of Rajouri in Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday. The Pakistani attempt was to target Indian military installations but the Pakistani jets were forced to retreat by Indian MiG, Sukhoi and Mirage aircraft.
Air Vice Marshal Kapoor said while Pakistan claimed that its jets fired bombs in open areas, "the fact is that Pakistan targeted military installations but we thwarted their plans. The bombs were unable to cause any significant damage due to swift IAF action".
"IAF remains ever vigilant and ready to take on any eventuality," he said. He refuted Pakistan's claims that it had not used F-16s on Wednesday and said that one F-16 was shot down by a MiG-21 Bison.
Major General S.S. Mahal said that PAF's targets on Wednesday included a Brigade Headquarters, a Battalion Headquarters and logistics installations in Jammu and Kashmir. But their designs were foiled because of the high level of preparedness by the Indian armed forces, he said. He said Indian weapons systems had been put on high alert and mechanized forces had been placed on standby. "We are fully prepared to respond to any provocation."
Rear Admiral D.S. Gujral said: "The Indian Navy is deployed in a high state of readiness and remains poised in three dimensions -- surface, under the sea and in air to deter, prevent and defeat any misadventure by Pakistan in the maritime domain. "I can assure you of a resolute, swift and strong response by the Navy whenever needed."
Highlights of the press conference by the Indian Navy, Army and the Air Force
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor: There is enough evidence to show that F-16s were used in this mission through their electronic signatures. Parts of AMRAAM, air to air missile which is carried only on the Pakistani F-16s was recovered east of Rajouri within the Indian territory.
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor: IAF fighters were tasked to intercept the intruding Pakistani aircraft and managed to thwart them. Although PAF jets dropped bombs, they were not able to cause any damage.
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor: One Pakistani F-16 was shot down by an IAF MiG 21 Bison Aircraft.East of Rajouri, parts of F-16 have been recovered, inside Indian territory. Also, IAF is happy that Wing Commander Abhinandan is returning tomorrow.
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor to question on bombing on JeM terror camps in Balakot: Premature to say number of casualties on the camp, whatever we intended to destroy we got that result
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor: We have evidence to show that whatever we wanted to do and targets we wanted to destroy, we have done that. Decision to show the evidence is on senior leadership
- Air Vice Marshal RGK Kapoor: We are happy that our pilot who had fallen across the Line of Control and was in custody of Pakistan is being released, we're extremely happy to have him back. We only see it as a gesture which is in consonance with all Geneva conventions.
- Navy Rear Admiral DS Gujral: We are ready for any misadventure by Pakistan and we are ready for resolute action. We want to ensure safety and security of our citizens
- Major General Surendra Singh Mahal: As long as Pakistan continues to harbour terrorists, we will continue to target the terror camps
(With inputs from agencies)