The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is commemorating the anniversary of a key aerial defense action conducted on June 7, 2002, when it destroyed an Israeli-built Indian reconnaissance drone that had infiltrated Pakistani skies close to Lahore amid increased hostilities between Pakistan and India.
The event occurred during the 2001-02 military tension between the neighboring nations after the assault on India's Parliament in December 2001. This clash, referred to as Operation Parakram, resulted in significant troop movements on either side of the border and sparked global worries regarding the potential for an expanded conflict between the two countries possessing nuclear capabilities.
As per the PAF, an Indian Air Force Searcher Mk II intelligence-gathering drone, produced in Israel, entered Pakistani airspace during the evening of June 7, 2002. This pilotless vehicle was mainly intended for monitoring operations and featured a minimal radar presence, flew at a low height, and moved slowly, which made it hard to spot.
A PAF spokesperson stated that air defense staff effectively identified and tracked the unmanned aerial vehicle under difficult operational circumstances. Once the breach of Pakistani airspace was verified, the Air Force leadership approved an engagement operation.
A U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter belonging to the 9th Squadron was deployed for the mission. The aircraft was piloted by Squadron Leader Zulfiqar Ayub, with Squadron Leader Afzal Awan acting as the pilot. Guided by air traffic control personnel stationed on the ground, the team managed to identify the unmanned aerial vehicle throughout the nighttime operation.
Once the target was identified visually, the F-16 fired an AIM-9L Sidewinder infrared-homing missile, which hit and eliminated the drone. The debris eventually landed within Pakistani borders and was retrieved by officials.
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