A New Chapter in Indo-Pak Air Confrontations
In May this year, India and Pakistan experienced their most intense military standoff in decades, culminating in a major aerial exchange now officially dubbed Operation Sindoor. For the first time, Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh has disclosed that Indian forces shot down six Pakistani military aircraft during the four-day conflict between May 7 and 10. This revelation, made in Bengaluru, marks one of the most decisive aerial victories for India in recent history, with advanced missile systems playing a pivotal role.
Background of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was a coordinated tri-service campaign executed under clear political directives, aimed at neutralising Pakistani air and ground-based threats. The trigger was a series of escalating skirmishes along the border, which quickly expanded into a full-scale exchange of air power. Unlike previous engagements, such as the Balakot airstrikes in 2019, this operation was marked by sustained strikes, integrated intelligence-sharing, and the strategic deployment of India’s state-of-the-art Russian-made S-400 Triumf air defence system.
Aircraft Kills and Tactical Success
According to Air Chief Marshal Singh, Indian forces destroyed five Pakistani fighter jets and one large military aircraft—possibly an electronic intelligence (ELINT) or airborne warning and control system (AWACS) platform. Remarkably, the AWACS-type aircraft was taken down at a range of 300 kilometres, a feat Singh described as “the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill in combat history.”
Electronic tracking data confirmed these kills, with most of the aerial victories credited to the S-400 system. Singh also revealed that additional Pakistani assets—including a second surveillance aircraft—were struck, and several F-16 fighters parked inside hangars at Shahbaz and Jacobabad airfields were destroyed.
Ground Targets and Strategic Damage
Beyond aerial engagements, Indian strikes inflicted significant damage on Pakistani military infrastructure. Two command-and-control centres—Murid and Chaklala—were hit, degrading Pakistan’s coordination capabilities. The operation also crippled Pakistan’s ability to deploy long-range glide bombs, as their aircraft could not breach the S-400’s defensive perimeter.
Pakistan’s Response and Contradictions
Islamabad has officially denied losing any aircraft during the confrontation, claiming instead that it shot down six Indian planes, including a Rafale fighter. While France’s Air Chief, General Jerome Bellanger, acknowledged evidence of three Indian fighter losses, the IAF has neither confirmed nor denied these claims. The conflicting narratives underscore the information war that often accompanies physical hostilities between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.
Role of Leadership and Coordination
The IAF Chief credited India’s political leadership for granting the armed forces full operational autonomy. The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) position, along with active coordination from the National Security Advisor (NSA), ensured seamless integration of air, land, and naval operations. Singh emphasised that there were no external constraints—only self-imposed operational limits to avoid uncontrolled escalation.
The clear chain of command allowed Indian forces to calibrate their strikes effectively, applying maximum pressure within an 80–90-hour window. According to Singh, Pakistan quickly realised the cost of continued confrontation and sought dialogue through the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMO) channels.
From Balakot to Sindoor: A Shift in Outcomes
Reflecting on the 2019 Balakot operation, Singh admitted that the IAF faced challenges in publicly proving the extent of damage caused during those strikes, which created political and public perception difficulties. In contrast, Operation Sindoor allowed India to present concrete evidence of its achievements, effectively “laying to rest the ghost of Balakot.”
The S-400 Factor: A Game-Changer
Singh hailed the S-400 Triumf system as a decisive asset, describing its range and precision as instrumental in deterring Pakistani aircraft from even attempting long-range munitions deployment. This technological edge, he asserted, fundamentally altered the dynamics of the confrontation, allowing India to control the aerial battlespace.
A Defining Moment for Indian Defence
Operation Sindoor stands as a landmark episode in modern Indian military history, combining cutting-edge technology, decisive political will, and inter-service synergy. The confirmed downing of six Pakistani aircraft—especially the record-breaking long-range kill—underscores India’s growing air defence capabilities.
While questions remain about the exact toll on both sides, the operation has undeniably bolstered India’s deterrence posture. It showcased the IAF’s ability to integrate advanced systems like the S-400 into real-world combat scenarios, maintain operational dominance, and compel a rival to seek de-escalation.
In strategic terms, Operation Sindoor is more than just a tactical victory—it is a statement of capability and resolve, marking a significant achievement for the Indian defence establishment and a turning point in the Indo-Pak aerial equation.
(With agency inputs)
