In one of the most fierce air battles in recent memory, the Indian Air Force (IAF) allegedly dealt the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) severe casualties during Operation Sindoor, which took place between May 6–7, 2025. India is getting ready to reveal hard proof, such as satellite imaging, radar data, and social media images, to support the IAF’s claims that it shot down at least seven Pakistani fighter jets in a series of dogfights and pinpoint attacks, according to top defense sources.
Indian Rafale and Sukhoi Su-30MKI aircraft launched targeted attacks on insurgent camps on the other side of the border to start the operation. Pakistan retaliated by rushing its JF-17s, J-10s, and Mirage planes to stop the attack. Several Pakistani jets were neutralized in the ensuing aerial battles. Although Pakistan has not yet formally admitted to its own aircraft losses, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Anil Chauhan and Air Operations Director General A.K. Bharti both stated that the IAF had suffered some losses.
At least seven aircraft, including five fighter jets, one C-130 military transport, and one AWACS (airborne early warning and control) surveillance aircraft, were lost by Pakistan during the two phases of Operation Sindoor, according to sources. At least 10 combat drones were also destroyed.
Five Pakistani troops, including Squadron Leader Usman Yusuf, were killed when one aircraft destroyed during takeoff preparations at Shahbaz Airbase near Jacobabad and another was lost in aerial battle.
drowned in the conflict.
According to reports, a retired Pakistani Air Marshal admitted the loss of this aerial warning and control system.
Social media users have shared footage of its devastation, which was purportedly caused by a drone strike.
Although US constraints prevented these American-made jets from being used in action, some of them were destroyed when parked at the time of IAF airstrikes on Pakistani airbases.
The strikes against drone hangars and air-to-air battles resulted in the destruction of over 10 unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs).
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence, almost 20% of the Pakistan Air Force’s infrastructure was destroyed as a result of the aerial operation. Eleven important installations were the focus of the strikes, including important bases like Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, and Noor Khan. As part of India’s upcoming disclosure, evidence is being gathered and archived for public release, including pictures and recordings from damaged Pakistani airbases.
The utilization of cutting-edge fighter jets (the Rafale and Su-30MKI), air-launched cruise missiles, and advanced air defense systems (the S-400 and Akash SAMs) were all factors in the IAF’s victory during Operation Sindoor. Notably, the campaign did not make use of surface-to-surface BrahMos missiles. Similar to previous disagreements over aircraft encounters, the Indian Air Force is getting ready to publish comprehensive reports, complete with radar and visual evidence, to refute Pakistan’s expected denials.
According to the military, Pakistan shot down a number of Indian aircraft, including a Su-30MKI, a MiG-29, a Mirage-2000, and a Rafales. The country has formally denied incurring such losses. To corroborate the level of losses on both sides, however, independent confirmation and satellite imagery are still pending.
India claims to have shot down at least seven Pakistani jets and seriously damaged PAF equipment during Operation Sindoor, which represents a dramatic increase in air combat between the two countries. Verifiable evidence is anticipated to be released shortly by the Indian government in an effort to promote transparency and refute any formal denials from Pakistan.
