In a significant development, the Indian Air Force (IAF) chief, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, outlined the success of Operation Sindoor during a recent address commemorating the 93rd Air Force Day. The operation, carried out in May, aimed at dismantling Pakistan Air Force (PAF) capabilities, reportedly resulting in the destruction of key military assets, including several F-16 fighter jets and a Chinese-made JF-17.
Singh detailed that the operation involved precision strikes targeting various Pakistani airbases, which were effective in crippling vital military infrastructure. These strikes were a direct response to the escalating tensions following a terror attack in Pahalgam, prompting India to act decisively against terror infrastructure in Pakistan.
The IAF chief revealed that significant installations were targeted, leading to the destruction of critical assets. “We struck a large number of installations. Based on reliable reports, we destroyed radars at four locations, command and control centres at two bases, and inflicted damage on runways at two airfields,” Singh stated. He specified that missiles targeting hangars and tarmacs resulted in the loss of a C-130 transport aircraft, an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft, and approximately four to five fighter jets.
In a noteworthy assertion, Singh confirmed a long-range strike exceeding 300 kilometers that successfully hit an AEW&C or signals intelligence platform, in addition to five front-line fighters belonging to the F-16 and JF-17 categories. He refuted Pakistan’s claims of Indian losses, suggesting that Islamabad was propagating what he termed “Manohar Kahaaniya,” a reference to fanciful narratives without substantial evidence of IAF aircraft being downed.
Singh attributed the success of Operation Sindoor to the collaborative efforts of India’s armed forces, stating, “The joint resolve of our services brought the enemy to their knees.” The four-day confrontation concluded on May 10, with the results of the airstrikes prompting Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations to urgently reach out to his Indian counterpart for a ceasefire. The operation underscores the heightened military dynamics in the region and reflects India’s strategic posturing amidst ongoing tensions with Pakistan.
