IAF Destroys 4-5 Pakistani Jets in Operation Sindoor

IAF Destroys 4-5 Pakistani Jets in Operation Sindoor

The Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, announced on Friday that 4 to 5 Pakistani fighter jets, likely F-16s, were destroyed during air strikes conducted under Operation Sindoor. This operation was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, on April 22.

During a press conference in New Delhi, Singh detailed the significant damage inflicted on Pakistani military infrastructure, including airbases, radars, command centres, and runways. He mentioned that three hangars were damaged and a C-130-class aircraft was also hit. Notably, the IAF successfully struck a high-value airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft from over 300 km away, marking the longest successful missile strike in the IAF's history. Singh stated, "Our long-range surface-to-air missiles prevented them from operating even within their own territory up to a certain range. This strike of more than 300 km will go down in history."

Singh emphasized that the operation was executed with a clear objective and was concluded swiftly. He remarked, "This war was started with a very clear objective and was terminated in a quick time without prolonging it. Unlike other conflicts in the world, we made Pakistan reach a stage where they themselves asked for a ceasefire."

He dismissed Pakistan's claims of downing Indian jets during the operation, referring to them as "Manohar Kahaniyan" (fanciful stories). Singh challenged the credibility of these claims, stating, "If they think they shot down 15 of my jets, let them believe it. Have you seen a single picture of any damage on our bases? We, on the other hand, have shown evidence of the damage caused to theirs."

Looking ahead, Singh provided updates on the IAF's modernization plans, stating that the indigenously developed Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) is expected to take its first flight by 2028 and be inducted into service by 2035. He noted that the Rafale fighter jet remains a strong contender for procurement, but all options will be evaluated based on merit, with a preference for technology transfer and local manufacturing.

Singh also addressed concerns about terrorist groups relocating deeper into Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, asserting that India has the capability to strike such targets with precision. He concluded, "If intelligence is available, we can go deep inside and destroy them. Our options remain open."