In a major revelation, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief AP Singh has confirmed that India successfully shot down six Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor in May. Speaking at the Air Chief Marshal LM Katre lecture in Bengaluru, he disclosed that the surface-to-air missile systems of the armed forces destroyed five Pakistani fighter jets and one surveillance aircraft. This marks the first time an Indian armed forces official has publicly revealed the extent of the damage inflicted on Pakistan’s air fleet during the operation.
Singh further detailed that India’s military strikes also targeted Pakistani airbases, damaging some parked US-made F-16 jets at the Jacobabad airbase on May 10. According to his account, one hangar was hit, and at least two command and control centers were also damaged. These coordinated attacks on airbases ultimately compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire agreement after three days of hostilities.
The IAF chief credited the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system as a “game changer,” stating its advanced range kept Pakistani aircraft from using their long-range glide bombs. He also addressed allegations of civilian casualties, presenting satellite images of the nine terror targets that were hit on May 7, which he said showed no collateral damage. The strikes on terror launchpads reportedly killed around 100 terrorists.
Dismissing claims of political interference, Singh asserted that the armed forces had complete freedom to plan and execute the attacks. He noted that the success was due to clear directives and strong political will, which allowed the military to operate without restrictions.
