Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, announced on Friday that during Operation Sindoor, the IAF destroyed 4 to 5 Pakistani fighter jets, likely F-16s. This operation marks a significant escalation in aerial combat between India and Pakistan.
The IAF conducted precision strikes on multiple airbases across Pakistan, causing extensive damage to key military infrastructures, including radars, command centres, and runways. Singh confirmed that a C-130-class transport aircraft and a high-value surveillance plane were also reportedly targeted during this operation.
“We struck a large number of their airfields and installations…radars at four places, command centres at two locations, two runways, and three hangars were destroyed. We have evidence of one C-130 aircraft being hit, and at least 4–5 fighters, most likely F-16s, which were under maintenance at that time,” stated Air Chief Marshal Singh.
During the operation, the IAF successfully deployed newly procured long-range surface-to-air missiles (SAMs), preventing the Pakistan Air Force from operating within its airspace. This operation achieved a historic milestone with the longest successful missile strike exceeding 300 kilometres, significantly hampering Pakistan’s aerial response capabilities.
Singh labelled the operation as a decisive and time-bound success, asserting, “This was a war started with a clear objective and concluded swiftly once our goals were achieved. Unlike prolonged global conflicts, India demonstrated that clarity and precision can force an adversary to ask for a ceasefire.”
This event carries substantial geopolitical implications, highlighting the increasing military capabilities of India and the ongoing tension in South Asia. Singh’s remarks serve as a lesson for nations embroiled in ongoing conflicts, particularly in light of the international landscape that currently lacks resolution.
