Pakistan Releases Footage of Downed Indian Rafale Pilots, Claims Use of Advanced Air-to-Air Missiles

Pakistani authorities have released footage purportedly showing the captured pilots of Indian Rafale fighter jets that were recently shot down during an escalating military confrontation between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. The video, broadcast on national television and circulated through official social media channels, shows what appear to be two individuals in flight suits, receiving medical attention while under the supervision of Pakistani military personnel. According to the Pakistani Ministry of Defense, the men are Indian Air Force pilots whose aircraft were brought down by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) fighters in the contested airspace over the region near Bahawalpur. In a statement accompanying the release of the footage, Pakistani defense officials claimed that the Rafale jets were shot down using "modern air-to-air missile systems," but did not specify the exact model. The weapons reportedly used in the engagement are believed to be advanced radar-guided missiles compatible with the PAF's cutting-edge fighter fleet.