In a stunning revelation, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh announced that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a significant airborne platform, likely an AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control System) or electronic intelligence aircraft, during Operation Sindoor.
The operation, launched on May 7, 2025, was a retaliatory strike against Pakistan following the devastating Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 civilian lives in April. The IAF's Russian-made S-400 air defense system was credited with these critical aerial victories, showcasing India's advanced military capabilities.
Speaking at the Air Marshal Katre Annual Lecture in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal Singh presented compelling evidence of the operation's success, including satellite imagery and local media reports. "These are the before and after images of the damage we caused at Bahawalpur, the Jaish-e-Mohammed headquarters," he stated, highlighting the precision of the strikes. "There's hardly any collateral here; the adjacent buildings are fairly intact." The imagery confirmed the destruction of nine terror targets, eliminating over 100 terrorists with minimal damage to surrounding areas, underscoring the IAF's precision and effectiveness.
Operation Sindoor marked a significant escalation in India-Pakistan tensions, with the IAF striking deep into Pakistani territory to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. The operation's success not only dealt a severe blow to Pakistan's air capabilities but also demonstrated India's resolve to counter terrorism decisively. The downing of the AWACS, a critical asset for battlefield surveillance, further crippled Pakistan's ability to coordinate aerial defenses, giving India a strategic edge in the conflict.
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The Air Chief Marshal's revelations have sparked widespread discussion, with posts on X reflecting national pride in the IAF's achievements. The operation's precision and the S-400's role in neutralizing high-value targets have been hailed as a testament to India's growing military prowess, reinforcing its stance against cross-border terrorism.
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