On 27 February 2019, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) conducted six surprise airstrikes at multiple locations in India's Jammu and Kashmir. The airstrikes were part of PAF military operation and were conducted in retaliation of Indian Air Force (IAF) airstrike in Balakot just a day before on 26 February.
It was the first time since 1971 that both countries air forces had crossed the Line of Control (LoC) to conduct airstrikes on the opposing territories. India conducted an airstrike in Balakot on 26 February while Pakistan responded by conducting airstrike in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Following Pakistan's airstrikes, Indian Air Force (IAF) jets started pursuing Pakistan Air Force (PAF) jets.
In the resulting dog fight, Pakistani officials said that they have shot down two Indian jets and captured one Indian pilot. Indian officials initially rejected that any IAF jets were shot down. However, later on Indian officials acknowledged that one IAF jet was shot down. Indian officials also said that they have shot down one PAF jet. Pakistan rejected Indian claims and said that PAF did not suffer any losses in the dog fight.
Pakistani officials stated that "in this day and age, it is impossible to hide downing of aircraft". One IAF Mil Mi-17 helicopter was also lost as a result of friendly fire, killing everyone aboard.
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