New Delhi, August 9 (FrontPostPlus) – In a significant development, India’s Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully shot down six Pakistani military aircraft during aerial clashes in May. This marks the first public acknowledgment by India following its most intense military confrontation with Pakistan in decades.
According to the Air Force Chief, five of the downed aircraft were Pakistani fighter jets, while the sixth was a large military aircraft—possibly an ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft or an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) aircraft—targeted at a range of approximately 300 kilometres.
Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal Singh revealed that most of the Pakistani aircraft were neutralised using India’s Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system. The advanced air defence system, considered one of the most lethal in the world, demonstrated its strategic effectiveness by intercepting enemy aircraft with precision. Singh added that electronic tracking data confirmed the successful strikes.
Despite the clear evidence presented by India, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif dismissed the claim, asserting that no Pakistani aircraft had been hit or destroyed. However, the IAF stands firm on its statement, citing concrete operational records.
This achievement underscores India’s growing air defence capabilities and sends a strong signal regarding the country’s readiness to protect its sovereignty against any aerial threat. The S-400’s performance during the operation further validates India’s decision to procure the system from Russia, despite international pressure.
