Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has revealed new details about Operation Sindoor, confirming that the Indian Air Force (IAF) shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft, likely an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) or electronic intelligence (ELINT) platform. The IAF chief made these remarks while addressing the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Lecture in Bengaluru.

According to Air Chief Marshal Singh, the destruction of the AEW&C aircraft represents a significant blow to Pakistan's aerial capabilities. He stated that this was the "largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill". He credited the Russian-origin S-400 air defense system for the successful targeting of these aircraft at long range. The S-400 system acted as a "game-changer," preventing Pakistani aircraft from effectively using their long-range glide bombs.

In addition to the aerial kills, Air Chief Marshal Singh disclosed that the IAF also destroyed aircraft on the ground, including F-16s at Pakistan's Jacobabad Air Base. He showed satellite photographs of the targeted terror sites, including the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) headquarters in Bahawalpur, and emphasized the precision of the strikes. He stated that there was minimal collateral damage, with adjacent buildings remaining intact.

The Air Chief Marshal noted that the strikes hit major airfields, command centers, and radar sites. He specifically mentioned the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield, where an F-16 hangar was severely damaged, with likely damage to aircraft inside. He also stated that two command and control centers, Murid and Chaklala, and at least six radars were destroyed. The destruction of the AEW&C aircraft at Bholari Air Base was also confirmed.

Operation Sindoor was launched on May 7, 2025, in response to the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which killed 26 civilians. The operation targeted nine terrorist training camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. India has emphasized that the mission's objective was to dismantle terrorist infrastructure while avoiding military or civilian targets.

Air Chief Marshal Singh highlighted the importance of political will and the coordination between the three forces in the success of Operation Sindoor. He noted that there were no restrictions placed on the IAF, and the attacks were carefully calibrated. He also acknowledged the role of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in synchronizing the three forces and the National Security Advisor (NSA) in coordinating all agencies.

The F-16s have been a part of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) since they were delivered by the US. The F-16 C/D Block 52 aircraft is equipped with advanced avionics and weapons for night precision attacks.