ISLAMABAD, Feb 27, 2026: Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmed Baber Sidhu said Pakistan is a responsible country that seeks “peace with honour” as the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) marked the seventh anniversary of Operation Swift Retort at Air Headquarters.
Addressing a commemorative ceremony, the Air Chief said the 2019 operation was carried out in response to what he described as a violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty. He stated that the PAF delivered a measured response to re-establish deterrence following heightened tensions at the time.
Operation Swift Retort refers to the aerial engagement conducted by the PAF on February 27, 2019, following cross-border developments earlier that week. The day is observed annually by the air force as part of its institutional history.
The Air Chief said that in light of evolving global and regional security challenges, the PAF initiated a comprehensive modernisation and indigenisation drive beginning in March 2021. He noted that the air force recalibrated its operational doctrine to meet the requirements of modern warfare and inducted advanced combat and support capabilities.
According to him, the PAF has enhanced its multi-domain operational capacity by integrating unmanned systems, electronic warfare, space and cyber elements into its framework.
Referring to tensions in May 2025, the Air Chief said the PAF responded to renewed challenges with coordinated operations. There has been no independent confirmation of specific operational claims mentioned during the ceremony.
The event concluded with reaffirmation of the PAF’s commitment to safeguarding Pakistan’s sovereignty and maintaining a credible aerial defence posture.
