In a major disclosure highlighting the scale and precision of India’s military response to cross-border terrorism, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) shot down six Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Among these were five fighter jets and a high-value surveillance aircraft, believed to be an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) platform.
Speaking at the Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, the Air Chief presented satellite imagery and intelligence reports that detailed the damage inflicted on Pakistan’s air fleet and terror infrastructure.
“These before-and-after images show the destruction caused at Bahawalpur, the headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM). There has been minimal collateral damage as adjacent buildings remain largely intact,” he said, pointing to the high-resolution visuals that underscored the precision of the strikes.
Launched on May 7, Operation Sindoor was a measured retaliation following the Pahalgam terror attack in April that claimed 26 innocent lives.
“We have five confirmed kills of fighter jets and one large aircraft, possibly an ELINT or AEW&C aircraft, taken down at a distance of about 300 kilometres. This is the largest recorded surface-to-air kill of its kind,” the Air Chief added.
The offensive targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), eliminating over a hundred militants, defence sources said. The operation used a combination of air-launched cruise missiles, electronic warfare capabilities, and real-time surveillance to maximise impact while minimising civilian casualties.
Highlighting the role of the recently acquired Russian-origin S-400 air defence system, the Air Chief praised its effectiveness. “The S-400 has been a game-changer. Its range has kept enemy aircraft away from deploying their long-range glide bombs, rendering those weapons ineffective,” he said.
The S-400 system played a key role in neutralising airborne threats, including the downing of the AWACS aircraft that posed a significant intelligence threat to Indian forces.
Beyond aerial combat, the IAF also targeted key ground installations, including Pakistani airbases at Bholari and Rahim Yar Khan, using precision munitions. Satellite imagery, local reports, and electronic intercepts helped verify the destruction of terror infrastructure and military assets.
The operation demonstrated India’s integrated defence capabilities, with the Army and Navy providing coordinated support. BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, loitering munitions, and advanced drones were also deployed during the four-day campaign, which reportedly compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.
Operation Sindoor represents a notable advancement in India’s deterrence strategy, blending technological superiority with operational restraint. “This was not just retaliation—it was about precision, professionalism, and purpose,” Air Chief Marshal Singh concluded.
