Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, confirmed on Friday that the IAF destroyed 4 to 5 Pakistani fighter jets, most likely F-16s, on the ground during Operation Sindoor. This operation marks a crucial moment in India’s aerial strategy.
Addressing reporters in New Delhi, Singh detailed that the IAF carried out precision strikes on multiple Pakistani airbases, causing substantial damage to vital military infrastructure. Key targets included radars, command centers, runways, and hangars, along with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. A C-130-class transport aircraft and possibly a high-value surveillance plane were also reportedly hit during this mission.
“We struck a large number of their airfields and installations…radars at four places, command centres at two locations, two runways, and three hangars were destroyed. We have evidence of one C-130 aircraft being hit, and at least 4–5 fighters, most likely F-16s, which were under maintenance at that time,” stated the Air Chief Marshal.
Singh emphasized the strategic impact of the operation. The IAF deployed its newly procured long-range SAMs, successfully preventing the Pakistan Air Force from operating within its own territory. This operation achieved a historic milestone with the longest successful missile strike exceeding 300 kilometers, significantly crippling Pakistan’s aerial response capabilities.
Describing the operation as a decisive and time-bound success, Singh affirmed, “This was a war started with a clear objective and concluded swiftly once our goals were achieved. Unlike prolonged global conflicts, India demonstrated that clarity and precision can force an adversary to ask for a ceasefire.”
He highlighted that this operation serves as a lesson for the world, particularly amid ongoing international tensions where resolution seems distant.
