New Delhi: Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday confirmed that Pakistan lost several fighter jets, including F-16s and J-17s, during India’s Operation Sindoor. Addressing a press conference ahead of Air Force Day, he said the swift conclusion of the conflict stands as a global lesson in decisive military action.
The Air Chief Marshal described Operation Sindoor as a demonstration of tri-services synergy, launched on May 7 in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation specifically targeted terror infrastructure across Pakistani-controlled areas. The offensive continued for four days and concluded on May 10 following an understanding to halt military actions.
Singh noted that Pakistan’s losses were significant, extending beyond aircraft to include radars, command and control centres, runways, and hangars. “In the air, we have evidence of one long-range strike on an Airborne Warning and Control System and four to five fighters, likely F-16 and J-17 jets,” he said.
Looking ahead, Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force has prepared Roadmap 2047 to bolster its combat strength. He also highlighted joint progress with the Army and Navy on developing the ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defence system, marking a step toward strengthening India’s future defence preparedness.
