In the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 7, 2025, Pakistan has acknowledged "minor damage" to one of its aircraft during the military confrontation with India. This admission followed days of intense exchanges and claims from both sides regarding the extent of damage inflicted.
Operation Sindoor was initiated by India in response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians. India asserted that the operation targeted terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
The IAF announced the successful execution of its assigned tasks in Operation Sindoor, emphasizing the precision and professionalism with which the operations were conducted. The IAF also stated that the operations were aligned with national objectives and carried out discreetly. While a ceasefire understanding was reached between India and Pakistan on May 10, the IAF confirmed that its operations were still ongoing.
Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed that all pilots involved in Operation Sindoor had returned home safely and that the Air Force achieved all its objectives in the precision strikes against Pakistan. He added that the decision to strike where it would hurt was taken after Pakistan's mass drone attack on cities, including Srinagar and Naliya, on the night of May 8–9. According to Bharti, Indian air defenses intercepted the incoming threats, preventing damage to critical assets. In response, India continued Operation Sindoor by striking Pakistan's airbases, command centers, and military infrastructure in a "swift, coordinated, and calibrated" attack.
During a press conference, Pakistan Army spokesman Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry stated that the purpose of the briefing was to provide details on the conduct and conclusion of "Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos". Chaudhry acknowledged that "only one aircraft" of Pakistan suffered "minor damage," without providing further details. He also refuted reports of any Indian pilot being in Pakistan's custody, dismissing them as "fake social media reports".
The Indian military reported that Operation Sindoor resulted in the elimination of over 100 terrorists and 35–40 Pakistani soldiers. DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai said that the Indian Army had "achieved total surprise," adding that more than 100 terrorists had been killed in the nine terror hubs deliberately identified by India.
While Pakistan admitted to minor damage to one aircraft, Indian officials claimed that several Pakistani warplanes were shot down, preventing them from entering Indian airspace. Air Marshal AK Bharti stated that there were losses on the Pakistani side.
Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, stated that Operation Sindoor is a symbol of India's political, social, and strategic willpower, reflecting India's firm resolve against terrorism and showcasing the capability and determination of its military power.
Despite the ceasefire understanding, the Indian Air Force has urged everyone to refrain from speculation and dissemination of unverified information, as Operation Sindoor is still ongoing.