PAF scrambles jets as Indian Rafales patrol over Kashmir

TIMES Report
2 Min Read
A representational image of Rafale

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets were scrambled late Tuesday night after Indian Rafale fighter jets were detected patrolling airspace above Indian-administered Kashmir, triggering renewed tensions between the nuclear-armed rivals. The incident, reported by Pakistani state media, comes amid escalating military rhetoric following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

According to PTV News and Radio Pakistan, four Indian Rafale fighter jets conducted overnight patrols in the disputed region but did not cross the Line of Control (LoC). “PAF jets promptly detected the presence of these Indian warplanes,” Radio Pakistan said, adding that the Indian jets “panicked and fled” after Pakistani aircraft responded.

While there was no official comment from India on the aerial standoff, Islamabad has accused Delhi of heightening regional instability with provocative military maneuvers.

Adding to the military developments, India and France this week signed a massive intergovernmental agreement to procure 26 naval variants of the Rafale fighter jets for the Indian Navy.

The deal, worth approximately Rs 64,000 crore (USD 7.7 billion), was finalised during a virtual signing ceremony and had received prior clearance from the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Rafale M (Marine) jets will bolster India’s naval aviation capabilities and will be deployed on aircraft carriers, offering interoperability with the Indian Air Force’s existing fleet of Rafales.

France’s Dassault Aviation secured the deal over American competitor Boeing, with Indian Navy officials citing the Rafale’s superior compatibility and operational performance in high-altitude zones as key factors.

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