Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu on Thursday shared details of the Pakistan Air Force’s operational planning and combat strategy that, according to him, successfully neutralized Indian aerial threats during Marka-e-Haq.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters in Islamabad to mark one year of the operation, the air chief said the PAF maintained peak operational readiness following heightened tensions after the Pahalgam incident.
He explained that the Pakistan Air Force immediately moved to its highest alert status, strengthening surveillance and monitoring enemy movements through airborne warning systems and an integrated air defence setup. Continuous combat air patrols and rapid-response scrambling missions were also carried out to maintain defensive preparedness.
According to Air Chief Marshal Sidhu, Indian efforts to mask military deployments and operational readiness were effectively detected and countered by the PAF. He stated that Pakistan strategically positioned its forces in the southern sector to draw Indian fighter aircraft, including Rafale jets stationed at Ambala and Gwalior, into operational range.
The air chief described the operation as one of the most advanced and coordinated aerial missions in Pakistan’s history, involving multi-domain warfare capabilities. He claimed the operation targeted key enemy installations and disrupted critical military and transport infrastructure.
He further stated that the success of the mission was driven by the PAF’s indigenous “kill chain” system, which integrated surveillance, communication, command, and combat capabilities into a unified operational network.
While emphasizing Pakistan’s military capability, the air chief said the PAF exercised restraint and responded in a measured and responsible manner despite having the capacity to intensify operations further.
National Aerospace Science & Technology Park was also highlighted during the address, with the air chief noting that several indigenous defence and aerospace projects are currently progressing rapidly to enhance future operational readiness.
He praised the role of the PAF’s Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) branches, calling them essential to maintaining secure communication and effective coordination throughout the mission.
Concluding his remarks, Air Chief Marshal Sidhu reaffirmed the Pakistan Air Force’s commitment to national defence and said the force would continue to uphold the trust and expectations of the Pakistani people.
