IAF Chief says 5 Pak jets, 1 aircraft shot down during Operation Sindoor

In a major revelation following the recent military offensive, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially confirmed that it downed six Pakistani aircraft during 'Operation Sindoor'. The announcement, which details the extensive damage inflicted on the Pakistan Air Force, was made by Air Chief Marshal AP Singh in Bengaluru.

Speaking at the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Lecture, the Air Chief confirmed that the downed aircraft included five fighter jets and one large Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system, a critical asset for any air force. The loss of the AEW&C, described as a "big bird," was highlighted as a massive blow to Pakistan's operational strength.

The Air Chief Marshal revealed that the AEW&C aircraft was shot down at a range of 300 kms, calling it "the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill." He credited the Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system as a "game-changer" in the conflict, stating its formidable range kept Pakistani jets from penetrating Indian airspace and using their long-range weapons.

"Our air defence systems did a wonderful job. The S-400 system... has been a game-changer," said Air Chief Marshal Singh. Beyond the mid-air victories, the IAF also confirmed successful strikes on the ground. Airbases in Jacobabad and Bholari in Pakistan were hit, destroying hangars. The strikes reportedly destroyed several US-made F-16s that were under maintenance and another AEW&C aircraft believed to have been housed in a hangar in Bholari.

According to the Air Chief Marshal, the scale of the losses prompted Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, concluding that further conflict would lead to even more significant damage.