Six Pakistani aircraft, including 5 fighter jets downed; 9 terror camps hit in Operation Sindoor: Air Chief Marshal

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh. File Pic/X

Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh revealed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) shot down six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighter jets and one high-value surveillance aircraft, during India's Operation Sindoor, a precision military response to cross-border terrorism, reported the IANS.

Speaking at the Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Memorial Lecture in Bengaluru, the Air Chief presented satellite imagery and intelligence inputs confirming the scale and accuracy of the operation, which was launched on May 7 following the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives.

IN PHOTOS: Leopard rescued from foot trap in Maharashtra`s Pune

3 months agoPHOTO GALLERY

"We have five confirmed fighter kills and one large aircraft, likely an ELINT or an AEW&C platform, taken down at a range of around 300 kilometres - the largest surface-to-air kill on record," he said, according to the IANS.

Singh showed high-resolution imagery of strikes on targets including Bahawalpur, headquarters of the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), highlighting minimal collateral damage.

"The surrounding buildings are untouched. These are clean, precise strikes," he added, as per the IANS.

The operation targeted nine terror camps across Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK), with over 100 militants eliminated, according to defence sources.

The IAF used air-launched cruise missiles, electronic warfare tools, real-time surveillance, and loitering munitions for high-impact strikes with minimal civilian risk.

A key highlight of the operation was the performance of the S-400 air defence system, which the Air Chief described as a "game-changer" in keeping enemy aircraft at bay. "Pakistan was unable to use their long-range glide bombs due to the S-400's extended reach," he said, the news agency reported.

Precision strikes were also carried out on Pakistani airbases, including Bholari and Rahim Yar Khan, targeting both terror infrastructure and military assets. Satellite data, electronic intercepts, and media reports helped verify the extent of the damage.

The operation also demonstrated India's tri-service integration, with coordinated support from the Army and Navy. The use of BrahMos missiles, drones, and other advanced assets ensured tactical dominance during the four-day operation, which reportedly pushed Pakistan to seek a ceasefire.

"Operation Sindoor was not merely retaliation," said Air Chief Marshal Singh.

"It was about precision, professionalism, and strategic purpose. It reflects the evolution of India's deterrence doctrine," the IANS reported.

(with IANS inputs)