syed_yusuf
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IRC, apart from being a part of the strike package, the Thunders were also a part of the CAPs during the hostilities. There is an interview of one of those JF-17 drivers recalling how when they landed back their ground crews counted their missiles in hopes that the bird had danced with the Indians. I couldn't find the interview right now but I'll look again.
Edit:
Correction: Not quite sure that it was Operation Swift Retort itself or one of the missions preceding it. Nonetheless,
“One mission took place in the days following the Indian Air Force’s attempted strikes in Pakistan border region- at five in the night I took off in rain and low cloud with TS in the vicinity. Clouds were from 4,000 till 33,000 feet. Got out of clouds and controller reported two Su-30s ‘across the fence’. I targeted them at ranges beyond 50-60 NM but didn’t get authorisation to engage from controller, continued to grind above 32,000 flowing hot and cold 20-30NM from fence targeting the Su-30s. The IAF scrambled a total of six more Su-30s and finally I had eight Su-30s in front. Would turn hot and target each one in sequence from north to south (just spike them seeing whether they get lured in or not). After hitting texaco (air refuelling) returned to based amid rain and wet runway.. the first thing ground crew did was count the missiles.. gave a disappointed look once all were intact. the same profile continued for a couple of month but that first mission was an unbelievable experience.”
https://hushkit.net/2019/07/19/flyi...erview-with-pakistan-air-force-fighter-pilot/
Because they weren't needed.
since he got air refueling, it must by mirage or JFT. but since he engage 50-60NM tracking it must be JFT. Did SU-30 ever manged to lock him too in return after all they were 8 v/s assuming 2 JFT.