The Indian Air Force (IAF) has revealed that six Pakistani aircraft, including five fighter jets and one AEW&C (airborne early warning and control system), were destroyed during Operation Sindoor on May 7. The large-scale military offensive was launched in retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that claimed 26 lives.
Speaking at the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Lecture in Bengaluru, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed, “We have five confirmed kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT or an AEW&C aircraft, which was taken on at a distance of 300 kms. This is actually the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill that we can talk about.”
The loss of the AEW&C, referred to as the “big bird”, dealt a significant blow to Pakistan’s aerial surveillance and combat capability during the conflict.
S-400 System Credited as a ‘Game-Changer’
Highlighting the role of advanced air defence, Air Chief Marshal Singh credited the recently acquired Russian-made S-400 missile system for keeping Pakistan’s aircraft at bay.
“Our air defence systems did a wonderful job. The S-400 system, which we had recently bought, has been a game-changer. The range of that system has really kept their aircraft away from their weapons like long-range glide bombs that they have. They have not been able to use any of those because they have not been able to penetrate the system,” he said.
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In addition to the aerial engagements, the IAF carried out strikes on Pakistan airbases at Jacobabad and Bholari. Several US-made F-16s undergoing maintenance were destroyed, along with indications of another AEW&C aircraft being hit in Bholari. “We have an indication of at least one AWC in that AWC hanger, and a few F-16s, which are under maintenance there, (were destroyed),” the Air Chief added.
Precision Strikes Prompted Ceasefire
According to the IAF, India’s calibrated strikes on nine terror targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir eliminated over a hundred terrorists. The damage was so extensive that Pakistan sought a ceasefire by May 10.
Air Chief Marshal Singh also credited the political leadership for providing the armed forces complete operational freedom. “A key reason for success was the presence of political will. There were very clear directions given to us. No restrictions were put on us. If there were any constraints, they were self-made. We decided how much to escalate. We had full freedom to plan and execute. Our attacks were calibrated because we wanted to be mature about it,” he said.
He presented ‘before and after’ satellite images of the terror targets, adding that visuals from local media also confirmed the damage. “Not only did we have satellite pictures, but also from local media, through which we could get inside pictures,” Singh noted, recalling the difficulties faced in proving strike effectiveness after the Balakot operation.
