CNN reports that the largest aerial battle in the modern history of military aviation has occurred between India and Pakistan. The clash involved 125 combat aircraft.

The Indian and Pakistani Air Forces engaged in the largest aerial combat in decades, as reported by CNN citing Pakistani sources.

The clash occurred overnight on May 7. Pakistan’s defense ministry claimed its pilots had destroyed five Indian combat aircraft.

According to the TV channel, 125 aircraft were involved in the battle simultaneously. The aerial exchange lasted over an hour, with some missile strikes launched from distances exceeding 160 km.

Notably, all aircraft remained within their respective airspace. As a CNN source explained, both sides deliberately avoided crossing the border, mindful of the 2019 incident when Pakistan shot down an Indian fighter jet and televised the captured pilot. "No one wants a repeat of such humiliation," the source noted.

The source added that Indian pilots had to repeatedly re-engage targets. Meanwhile, civilian casualties were avoided thanks to timely warnings to residents about the impending battle.