A Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 supersonic fighter jet was reportedly shot down on Thursday evening by an Indian surface-to-air missile (SAM) defence system, according to sources.

The downed F-16 had taken off from Pakistan's Sargodha air base. Sources indicate that the Indian SAM system engaged and neutralized the aircraft in the vicinity of the same air base.

This major development unfolds against a backdrop of heightened hostilities along the border. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's alleged attempt to target Jammu with drones and missiles was reportedly thwarted. Simultaneously, areas in Jammu including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar are experiencing intense artillery shelling.

The impact of the cross-border firing has also extended to Pathankot in Punjab, a strategically crucial area for India located approximately 30 kilometers from the international border and serving as a key access point to Jammu. The town has reportedly come under heavy artillery fire originating from Pakistan.

The downing of a Pakistan Air Force (PAF) F-16 fighter jet by an Indian surface-to-air missile system has brought the vintage of these US-supplied aircraft into sharp focus. Delivered to Pakistan in the late 1980s, these F-16s have undergone multiple upgrades over the years and remain a key component of the PAF fleet.

Notably, these same aircraft were deployed by Pakistan following India's Balakot air strikes in 2019 – India's response to the Pulwama terror attack. During the ensuing aerial engagement, a MiG-21 piloted by Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman famously shot down a Pakistani F-16, marking the first aerial dogfight between the two nations in over four decades, since the 1971 war.

The current escalation marks a significant broadening of hostilities not seen since that 1971 conflict. In response to the escalating tensions, a blackout has been imposed in several areas of Rajasthan bordering Pakistan.

The Sargodha air base, from where the downed F-16 reportedly originated, has a history of being used by Pakistan in past conflicts with India. During the 1965 war, this very airbase, then home to American F-104 Starfighter jets, was targeted by Indian Mystere aircraft from the No. 1 Squadron based in Adampur.

This major development coincides with Pakistan's unsuccessful attempt to target Jammu with drones and missiles. Simultaneously, areas along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu, including RS Pura, Arnia, Samba, and Hiranagar, are experiencing intense artillery shelling.