Pakistan Air Force Engagement: Six Jets Reportedly Shot Down; Islamabad Persists in Denying Involvement - Uncovering the Evidence Challenging their Aerial Conflict Denial
In the tense skies over South Asia, Operation Sindoor, a military offensive launched in response to the April 22 Pahalgam massacre, took place from May 7 to May 10. The operation has been the subject of much debate, with conflicting claims about the damage inflicted and losses sustained by both India and Pakistan.
According to the Indian Air Force (IAF), Pakistan lost at least six aircraft during Operation Sindoor: five fighter jets and one large surveillance aircraft, likely an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) or ELINT platform. These were reportedly shot down by India’s S-400 long-range surface-to-air missile systems during the operation, making it one of the largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kills.
Additional claims include significant damage to Pakistani airbases, especially Shahbaz Jacobabad, where an F-16 hangar was reported to be "half gone" with aircraft inside believed to be damaged or destroyed on the ground, including several F-16s undergoing maintenance.
However, Pakistan has denied these losses, challenging India’s claims and refusing independent verification of aircraft inventories. Despite this denial, Indian officials and the Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh have publicly confirmed these losses in recent statements.
The U.S. has declined to comment on Pakistani F-16 losses during the operation.
The conflict saw India's strikes penetrating deep into Pakistani territory and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. One of the most critical strikes took place at Bholari Airbase, where the AEW&C hangar was destroyed.
India has presented extensive photographic evidence from Operation Sindoor, showing battle damage on key Pakistani military targets. Using the Russian-made S-400 missile system, the IAF achieved a confirmed kill at a range of 300 kilometres. Electronic tracking data confirmed the destruction of the aircraft and additional surveillance planes and F-16 fighters in southeastern Pakistan.
Singh credited the S-400 air defence system with preventing Pakistani aircraft and UAVs from approaching Indian airspace during Operation Sindoor. The operation, according to Singh, stands as a demonstration of India's capability to respond forcefully to acts of cross-border terrorism and to safeguard its skies against any threat.
High-resolution satellite photographs displayed structural damage to a C2 operations centre at Nur Khan Airbase near Chaklala. Debris from Pakistani missiles and UAVs fell into Indian territory.
Pakistan insists that no aircraft losses occurred during the May conflict with India. However, images, tracking data, and debris recovered inside Indian territory present a starkly different reality regarding the damage inflicted during Operation Sindoor.
References: 1. The Indian Express 2. The Hindu 3. NDTV 4. Business Standard 5. The Economic Times
Sports reporters have shifted their focus from the field to the skies, as the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, a military offensive in South Asia, has been the center of general news discussions. The politics surrounding this war-and-conflicts operation has led to conflicting claims about losses sustained by both India and Pakistan, notably in the realm of aviation, with India reporting the destruction of at least six Pakistani aircraft and significant damage to airbases. Despite Pakistan's denials, reputable news outlets including The Indian Express, The Hindu, NDTV, Business Standard, and The Economic Times have presented evidence supporting India's claims.
