Pakistan Air Force commemorates the anniversary of the iconic downing of an Israeli-made Indian drone.

amid a time of increased hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, when it shot down an Indian surveillance drone manufactured by Israel that had entered Pakistani airspace close to Lahore.

The event took place in the context of Pakistan and India’s military stalemate in 2001–02, which followed an attack on the Indian Parliament in December 2001. Both nations stationed a sizable number of troops near their borders during the crisis, known as Operation Parakram, which sparked worries around the world about the potential for a larger conflict.

The PAF claims that on the evening of June 7, 2002, an Israeli-made Indian Air Force Searcher Mk II reconnaissance drone infiltrated Pakistani territory.

The PAF claims that on the evening of June 7, 2002, an Israeli-made Indian Air Force Searcher Mk II reconnaissance drone infiltrated Pakistani territory. The unmanned aircraft’s low speed, low altitude flying profile, and minimal radar signature made it challenging to detect. It was intended for surveillance operations.

Despite the difficult circumstances, air defense personnel were able to locate and track the drone, according to PAF officials. The Air Force’s command center ordered an interception mission after verifying the airspace violation.

Squadron Leader Zulfiqar Ayub piloted an F-16 fighter jet from No. 9 Squadron, with Squadron Leader Afzal Awan acting as navigator. During the night operation, the aircraft found the drone with the help of ground-based radar controllers.