In a striking exhibition of military capability, the Indian Air Force (IAF) achieved significant dominance against Pakistan’s military infrastructure during Operation Sindoor, which drew to a close with a ceasefire on May 10, 2025. Official sources confirm that the IAF executed a series of successful operations that resulted in the destruction of six Pakistani Air Force (PAF) fighter jets, a C-130 transport aircraft, various unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs), and essential surveillance aircraft.
The operation distinguished itself by relying solely on air-launched cruise missiles to conduct precision strikes on high-value targets within Pakistan. Notably, surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles were not deployed during the campaign. The IAF carried out deep penetration strikes and long-range attacks, including a remarkable 300 km engagement with the Sudarshan missile system, which specifically targeted an airborne electronic warfare and early warning aircraft.
A pivotal moment in the operation occurred at the Bholari airbase, where aggressive cruise missile strikes led to the destruction of a Swedish-origin Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) aircraft. Rafale and Su-30 fighter jets contributed to the offensive by targeting hangars that housed Chinese Wing Loong drones, resulting in the obliteration of a substantial number of medium-altitude, long-endurance UCAVs.
Throughout the four-day conflict, Indian air defense systems successfully intercepted over 10 UCAVs operating within Pakistani airspace. Additionally, the IAF demonstrated remarkable efficiency by neutralizing several Pakistani cruise and ballistic missiles that were aimed at Indian airbases before they could inflict damage.
While the Pakistan Air Force has reported additional losses on the ground, full assessments remain elusive due to the country’s hesitance to disclose the extent of the damage or to clear debris from affected locations. Reports indicate that Indian radar and air defense systems tracked numerous Pakistani jets disappearing mid-flight after sustaining hits from IAF operations.
Sources involved in the execution of Operation Sindoor have revealed that the IAF is currently engaged in a comprehensive analysis of the extensive technical and radar data acquired during the campaign, aiming to evaluate the total damage inflicted on Pakistan’s military assets.
The operation concluded with Pakistan’s formal request for a ceasefire, following what Indian military officials have characterized as “heavy losses” endured by the Pakistani forces, attributed to the scale, precision, and coordination of IAF air operations.
