Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, on Friday revealed that 4 to 5 Pakistani fighter jets, most likely F-16s, were destroyed on the ground during Operation Sindoor.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Singh said that the IAF carried out precision strikes on multiple Pakistani airbases, inflicting heavy damage on radars, command centres, runways, hangars, and even a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system. He added that a C-130-class transport aircraft and possibly a high-value surveillance plane were also hit during the operation.
“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,” the Air Chief Marshal said.
Singh also disclosed that during the operation, the IAF employed its newly procured long-range SAMs, which prevented the Pakistan Air Force from operating even within its own territory. The mission also registered a historic milestone — the longest successful missile strike of over 300 kilometres, which crippled Pakistan’s aerial response.
Calling the operation a decisive and time-bound success, Singh said, “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 emphasised that this experience should serve as a lesson for the world, particularly at a time when ongoing international wars show no signs of resolution.
