ISLAMABAD, Feb 27, 2026: The Pakistan Air Force commemorated the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort on Thursday, with Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu stating that Pakistan remains committed to peace with honour while maintaining a credible defence capability.
Speaking at a ceremony held at Air Headquarters, the Air Chief said the 2019 operation was undertaken to reassert deterrence following cross-border tensions. He described the response as calibrated and aimed at safeguarding national sovereignty.
The anniversary marks the aerial engagement of February 27, 2019, which followed a period of military escalation between Pakistan and India. The PAF observes the date annually to highlight operational readiness and institutional resolve.
In his address, the Air Chief said the PAF launched a modernization and indigenization programme in March 2021 to address evolving security challenges and the changing character of warfare. He stated that the air force updated its operational doctrine and inducted advanced platforms and support systems.
He added that integration of unmanned systems, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities has strengthened the PAF’s multi-domain operational structure.
Officials said the ceremony concluded with reaffirmation of the air force’s commitment to national defence and stability.
