Indian Sukhoi Which Pakistan Claimed It Shot Down Post-Balakot, Seen Flying During IAF Day Celebrations

In a big embarrassment for Pakistan an Indian Sukhoi Su-30 MKI which it had claimed it shot down during post-Balakot dogfight, was seen flying during Indian Air Force (IAF) day celebrations.

In the image the Sukhoi (extreme right) which goes via the Avenger-1 call sign was seen roaring in the skies while flying the Avenger formation with four other jets.

Soon after the India-Pakistan dogfight on 26 February, Pakistan Army spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Gafoor had claimed that it had captured two Indian pilots and downed two jets - MiG21 Bison and a Sukhoi.

This was later disproved and it has been widely speculated that the claim was Pakistan’s attempt to cover up the downing of its F-16 by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman.

It has also been rumoured that the second Indian pilot which Pakistan claimed to have captured, was actually a member of the Pakistani Air Force (PAF) who was flying the downed F-16.

He is said to have succumbed to his injuries - but Pakistan is yet to acknowledge the same.