Following India’s Operation Sindoor and the release of evidence by the Indian Air Force, Pakistan has strongly refuted claims of aircraft losses. Satellite images and the Indian Air Force’s evidence have been presented, but Pakistan has consistently denied any damage during the operation. Recent statements by Indian Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh have reignited tensions, prompting a denial from Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif. Asif stated that Indian armed forces were unable to target or destroy any Pakistani aircraft during the recent conflict. Earlier, Air Chief Marshal Singh reported that the IAF had downed five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft during Operation Sindoor. He indicated that they had indications of at least one airborne warning and control system (AWACS) aircraft and some F-16 aircraft being maintained at an AWACS hangar. The IAF asserts they have confirmed the downing of at least five fighter jets, including a large aircraft, possibly an AWACS, targeted from approximately 300 kilometers away. Following the operation, numerous unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, and missiles fell within Indian territory. Khawaja Asif, in a social media post, claimed that India failed to target or destroy any Pakistani aircraft, pointing out that such claims were not made for three months. Asif described the Indian Air Force chief’s late statements about destroying Pakistani aircraft during Operation Sindoor as ‘as unbelievable as they are ill-timed.’ He claimed the Indian armed forces also suffered heavy losses on the Line of Control. He suggested that both sides should open their aircraft stockpiles for independent verification if the truth is in doubt, expressing doubt that this will reveal the truth that India wishes to hide. He also stated that any violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity would be met with a swift, decisive, and balanced response.
