New Delhi: At least a dozen Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16 jets, were destroyed or damaged during Indian strikes in Operation Sindoor, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on Friday, dismissing Pakistan’s claims of Indian losses as “fanciful stories” (Manohar Kahaniyan).
The Air Chief added that the strikes also targeted and damaged significant Pakistani military infrastructure, including hangars at three locations, radars at four sites, command and control centers at two bases, and runways at two airfields.
Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day, Singh noted reports of terror groups relocating to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa following the operation. “It was expected,” he said, emphasizing that the Indian Air Force (IAF) has the capability to strike deep inside enemy territory with precise targeting.
On India’s future preparedness, the Air Chief revealed that under Roadmap 2047, the IAF plans to expand its combat capabilities, requiring 35–40 new aircraft annually over the next two decades.
Detailing Pakistan’s losses from May 7–10, Singh cited intelligence and electronic surveillance evidence. According to him, three hangars, one C-130 class aircraft, one AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft, and at least four to five fighter jets—likely F-16s—were destroyed or damaged. Additionally, one long-range strike exceeding 300 km hit an AEW&C or SigNit aircraft along with five high-tech fighters, including F-16 and JF-17 class jets.
“This is what our system tells us,” he said, confirming for the first time that the IAF had struck a US-made F-16 in the air. Pakistan’s total aircraft losses are now estimated at 12–13.
Responding to Pakistan’s claims of shooting down Indian jets, Singh called them “Manohar Kahaniyan.” “Let them be happy. If they think they shot down 15 of my jets, let them believe it. I hope they plan for 15 fewer aircraft in their inventory when they come to fight again,” he added.
He declined to disclose India’s own losses during the hostilities, stating, “I won’t say anything… let them find out.” He also questioned Pakistan’s evidence of damage, noting that while India had shared multiple images of destroyed Pakistani infrastructure, Pakistan had shown none.
Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled territories. The strikes led to four days of intense clashes, ending on May 10 with an understanding to halt military actions.
Singh also mentioned that all three services are collaborating on Sudarshan Chakra, an indigenous air defense system announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 15 to protect critical installations. He hinted that India may acquire additional S-400 air defense missile systems following their performance during the operation.
