Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, has stated that during the “Battle of Haq,” India failed to shoot down any Pakistani aircraft. He emphasized that Pakistan is not engaged in an arms race with India but is instead focused on enhancing effective defense systems and domestic technology.
In an interview with Bloomberg, the DG ISPR said that Pakistan has never manipulated or concealed facts and figures. He added that the country’s defense strategy revolves around efficiency, technological advancement, and self-reliance.
Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif explained that Pakistan continues to acquire modern defense technology from both the East and the West while strengthening its domestic capabilities. He stressed that Pakistan’s defense policy is driven by operational performance rather than competition.
He further stated that Pakistan’s defense efforts aim to maintain regional stability rather than fuel escalation, noting that transparency remains the foundation of the country’s defense communication.
According to Bloomberg’s report, India failed to down any Pakistani aircraft during the May skirmishes. The report noted that Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets played a decisive role in Operation Ma’rakah-e-Haq, successfully targeting several Indian Air Force aircraft, including Rafales.
The DG ISPR confirmed that Chinese systems used by the Pakistan military performed exceptionally well, demonstrating reliability and effectiveness.
The report also highlighted that Pakistan operates both Chinese and U.S.-made systems, including F-16 fighter jets, showcasing a balanced and diversified defense acquisition approach.
A previous Bloomberg report revealed that Pakistan’s successful use of long-range Chinese PL-15 missiles against Indian jets accelerated the U.S. missile development program. Following Pakistan’s success, the U.S. Air Force and Navy requested additional funding to expedite their AIM-260 missile project, aimed at maintaining aerial dominance.
