Did the Air Force Chief Confirm the Downing of 6 Pakistani Aircraft During Operation Sindoor?

Bengaluru, Aug 9 (NationPress) In a significant disclosure that highlights the magnitude and accuracy of India’s recent military operations against cross-border terrorism, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down six Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor. This included five fighter jets and a critical surveillance aircraft, likely an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) platform.

During the Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, the Air Chief presented satellite imagery and intelligence assessments illustrating the extent of the damage inflicted on Pakistan’s aerial capabilities and terrorist infrastructure.

“These are the before and after images of the destruction we caused at Bahawalpur, the JeM (Jaish-e-Mohammed) headquarters. There’s minimal collateral damage here -- the nearby buildings remain largely intact,” he stated, using high-resolution visuals to validate the precision of the strikes.

Operation Sindoor, initiated on May 7, was India’s measured response to the Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in the tragic loss of 26 innocent lives in April.

“We have confirmed five kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT aircraft or an AEW & C aircraft, taken down from a distance of approximately 300 km. This represents the largest recorded surface-to-air kill we can discuss,” the Air Force chief elaborated.

The operation effectively targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), reportedly resulting in the elimination of over a hundred militants, according to defense sources. The offensive utilized a combination of air-launched cruise missiles, electronic warfare assets, and real-time surveillance, ensuring minimal civilian casualties while maximizing strategic effectiveness.

He added, “Our air defense system has performed exceptionally well. The S-400 system, recently procured, has proven to be a game-changer. Its range has significantly deterred their aircraft from deploying weapons, such as long-range glide bombs. They have been unable to utilize any of those due to their inability to penetrate our system,” the IAF chief remarked.

The Russian-origin S-400 air defense system played a crucial role in neutralizing airborne threats throughout the operation. This system was credited with aerial kills, including the downing of the AWACS aircraft, which posed a considerable intelligence and coordination threat to Indian forces.

The IAF’s strikes were not confined to aerial engagements. Ground targets, including critical Pakistani airbases such as Bholari and Rahim Yar Khan, were struck with precision munitions. Intelligence gathered from satellite imagery, local media, and electronic intercepts allowed the IAF to confirm the destruction of terror infrastructure and military assets.

The operation also exemplified India’s integrated defense framework, with the Army and Navy providing coordinated support. The incorporation of BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and advanced drones enhanced the campaign, which unfolded over four days and compelled Pakistan to request a ceasefire.

Operation Sindoor signifies a pivotal advancement in India’s deterrence strategy, melding technological superiority with operational restraint. As Air Chief Marshal Singh emphasized, “This was not merely about retaliation -- it was about precision, professionalism, and purpose.”