IAF Chief: Pakistan Lost at Least 12 Aircraft in 'Operation Sindoor'
Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh stated that Pakistan lost at least a dozen military aircraft, including F-16 jets and an early warning aircraft, during 'Operation Sindoor' in May. Addressing the media, he said Indian strikes also damaged multiple Pakistani military installations like radar sites and command centres. The IAF Chief dismissed Pakistan's claims of inflicting heavy losses on India as "fanciful tales," asserting that the operation successfully demonstrated India's long-range strike capabilities.
Unpacked:
Operation Sindoor was triggered by a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India, on April 22, 2025, where 26 tourists were killed. India blamed Pakistan-based terror groups and launched strikes to target terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, aiming to deter further cross-border attacks.
Pakistan responded with coordinated drone and missile strikes against over a dozen Indian military installations, including air bases and cities like Srinagar and Jammu. These attacks were intercepted by India's air defense systems, and Pakistan claimed to have inflicted significant damage, which India disputes.
India said its strikes were limited to terrorist targets, but Pakistan reported civilian casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. The United States, through its Vice President and Secretary of State, engaged both countries in negotiations that led to a ceasefire, helping prevent further escalation.
India claims to have destroyed Pakistani military aircraft and damaged installations, while denying significant Indian losses. Pakistan disputes Indian claims, stating that its own strikes inflicted heavy damage on Indian bases and accused India of hitting civilian areas. Both sides present conflicting accounts with little independent verification.