In a recent disclosure, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed shooting down six Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor, a military operation launched in May 2025. Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh revealed that five of the downed aircraft were fighter jets, and one was a larger aircraft, possibly an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) or electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft.

Official Confirmation and Details

Air Chief Marshal A. P. Singh, speaking at the Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, stated that the kills were achieved using the S-400 air defense system and fighter aircraft. He highlighted that the engagement of the "large aircraft" occurred at a distance of approximately 300 kilometers, calling it the "largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill". The operation was initiated in response to the Pahalgam terror attack.

The IAF chief also detailed the damage inflicted on Pakistani airfields and installations. Key targets included the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield, where an F-16 hangar was significantly damaged, potentially impacting aircraft inside. Additionally, strikes targeted command and control centers at Murid and Chaklala, along with at least six radar systems. Hangars at Sukkur (UAV hangar) and Bholari (AEW&C hangar) were also hit.

Strategic Implications and Reactions

The announcement marks the first official account of the "kills" from the Indian side, nearly three months after the conflict. According to the Air Chief Marshal, the strikes inflicted such significant damage to Pakistan's air defense systems that Pakistan realized that continuing the conflict would only lead to further losses. This assessment suggests that the operation successfully deterred further escalation. He added that there were clear directions and no restrictions imposed on the forces during the operation. The forces decided their rules of engagement and how to control the escalation ladder.

Controversies and Unanswered Questions

Despite the IAF's claims, some questions remain, particularly regarding the types of aircraft shot down and the extent of F-16 losses. Initial assessments suggested that no Pakistani F-16s were shot down in the air. However, the IAF chief indicated that some F-16s might have been damaged or destroyed on the ground during strikes on airfields. The U.S. State Department has declined to comment on the matter, referring inquiries about Pakistan's F-16s to the Pakistani government. This silence contrasts with previous statements made by U.S. officials following the Balakot airstrikes in 2019.

Political Reactions

Following the IAF chief's revelations, some political reactions have emerged. Congress leaders have reportedly criticized the government, accusing it of halting the mission prematurely due to external pressures. These accusations have been countered by the IAF chief's clarification that there were no restrictions imposed during the operation.

Technological Superiority

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh credited the S-400 air defense system for its pivotal role in achieving aerial kills. He emphasized that no Pakistani aircraft could penetrate India's defense systems, attributing this success to the S-400's capabilities. The S-400 system's ability to engage targets at a long range, such as the 300-kilometer kill, underscores its advanced technological capabilities and its impact on India's air defense strategy.