The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) commemorated the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort at Air Headquarters, describing the operation as a defining moment that demonstrated resolve, professionalism and a calibrated response in modern aerial warfare.
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Addressing the ceremony, Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said Pakistan remains a responsible state that seeks “peace with honour.” He recalled that seven years ago an adversary misjudged Pakistan’s resolve by challenging its sovereignty under the cover of darkness, adding that PAF’s measured daylight response restored credible deterrence against a numerically superior force.
Highlighting evolving regional and global security dynamics, the Air Chief said that since March 2021 the air force has pursued extensive modernization and indigenization despite fiscal constraints, aiming to transform into a next-generation air force. He noted that operational doctrine had been recalibrated alongside the rapid induction of advanced combat and support capabilities, including indigenous unmanned systems, electronic warfare platforms, and space and cyber assets, forming a home-grown multi-domain operational framework.
Referring to Marka-e-Haq in May 2025, he stated that when Pakistan’s sovereignty was again challenged, PAF conducted full-spectrum multi-domain operations for the first time, claiming decisive operational success. According to the Air Chief, advanced platforms and aerial systems were neutralized, deep-strike missions were executed inside hostile territory, and key air defence infrastructure was targeted.
Reaffirming the force’s commitment to national security, he said the Pakistan Air Force would continue to maintain credible deterrence while upholding a vigilant yet responsible defence posture.
