NEW DELHI: In a significant revelation, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has confirmed that it downed six Pakistan Air Force (PAF) aircraft during Operation Sindoor in May — five fighter jets and one large aircraft. The disclosure was made by Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, on Saturday.
Speaking at the 16th Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, the Air Chief revealed that among the destroyed aircraft was a large platform suspected to be either an electronic intelligence (ELINT) aircraft or an airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. This high-value target was neutralized from a staggering distance of around 300 km, marking the largest-ever recorded surface-to-air kill in history.
“We have at least five fighters confirmed killed and one large aircraft… taken out from a distance of about 300 km,” Air Chief Marshal Singh stated, highlighting the unprecedented nature of the mission.
This is the first official confirmation from a senior officer of the Indian armed forces regarding the downing of Pakistani air assets during Operation Sindoor. The mission also reportedly targeted the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield, one of Pakistan’s key air bases, delivering a strategic blow to its operational capabilities.
Operation Sindoor is being hailed as a milestone in India’s air defense history, showcasing the IAF’s long-range strike capability, precision targeting, and technological edge in modern aerial warfare.
