Fighter Jets, Radar Blackouts: Inside Pakistan Air Force's Covert Escort Of Iranian Peace Delegation

Last Updated:April 13, 2026, 12:05 IST

Pakistan activated a multi-layered air defence and electronic warfare shield across its southwestern airspace over the Arabian Sea ahead of the arrival of two Iranian aircraft

As high-level Iran–US peace talks unfolded in Islamabad last week, Pakistan quietly mounted an extraordinary aerial security operation to ensure the safe arrival of the Iranian delegation, amid heightened regional tensions and alleged external threats, highly-placed sources told CNN-News18.

According to top Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and security sources, Pakistan activated a multi-layered air defence and electronic warfare shield across its southwestern airspace over the Arabian Sea ahead of the arrival of two Iranian aircraft, IRAN04 and IRAN05, late on Friday night, April 10.

Electronic Warfare, Radars And Air Defence

Sources said Pakistan switched on its electronic warfare support systems, activated all air surveillance radars, and placed air defence and missile systems on high alert to neutralise any potential threat to the Iranian planes.

A civilian Airbus A-321 was also flown strategically as part of the security plan to create aerial ambiguity.

To ensure seamless command and control, Pakistan deployed its Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft within its airspace.

The move was prompted by intelligence inputs about possible Israeli threats, with AWACS tasked to detect long-range aircraft or missile activity and conduct electronic surveillance along Iran’s bordering regions and the Arabian Peninsula.

Flight Tracking Switched Off, Decoy Aircraft Flown

In a highly unusual step, both Iranian aircraft, IRAN04 and IRAN05, had their transponders and primary radar signatures switched off while under the protective envelope of Pakistan’s AWACS, sources said. Public flight-tracking data was also disabled due to security concerns.

As part of what officials described as an “air-mobility deception" strategy, Pakistan flew a civilian A-321 aircraft parallel to the Iranian planes to reduce the risk of identification or interception.

Fighter Jet Escort With Live Weapons

PAF fighter jets, including J-10C and JF-17 Thunder aircraft armed with anti-aircraft missiles, provided close aerial escort to the Iranian planes throughout their transit in Pakistani airspace, sources confirmed.

The aircraft were carrying senior Iranian leaders, including Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, and Abbas Araghchi, along with other top officials for the Islamabad peace talks.

After the aircraft safely entered the Islamabad-Rawalpindi air corridor, PAF fighter jets reportedly released defensive flares over the capital region following the successful landing of IRAN04 and IRAN05 at Nur Khan Air Base, signalling the completion of the high-risk escort mission.

Senior security officials described the operation as one of the most complex and sensitive air protection missions conducted by Pakistan in recent years.

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