FIVE PAKISTANI FIGHTER JETS, ONE AIRCRAFT TAKEN DOWN DURING OPERATION SINDOOR: IAF CHIEF
Operation Sindoor Overview
In May 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) launched Operation Sindoor as a decisive military response to a terrorist attack at Pahalgam in April 2025 that claimed 26 lives. The operation was aimed at dismantling terror infrastructure across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
Significant Aerial Successes
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, the IAF Chief, officially confirmed in August 2025 that India achieved a historic feat by shooting down:
Five Pakistani fighter jets
One large surveillance aircraft (possibly an ELINT or Airborne Warning and Control System plane)
Most of these kills were executed using the Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system, demonstrating the cutting-edge air defence capability of the Indian armed forces. Notably, the large surveillance plane was shot down at an unprecedented distance of around 300 kilometres, marking the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill by India.
Targeted Strikes on Pakistani Airbases
The operation included precision strikes on key Pakistani airbases such as Sukkur, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari. Damage was inflicted on radar installations, missile hangars, command and control centers, and parked aircraft including some US-made F-16 jets that were under maintenance.
Strategic and Tactical Importance
Breaking Terrorist Networks: The strikes targeted multiple terror groups including Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen, leading to the elimination of over 100 terrorists.
Robust Air Defence: The use of advanced missile systems like the S-400 prevented the Pakistani jets from effectively employing long-range glide bombs, ensuring airspace dominance.
Intelligence and Precision: The operation was based on highly specific intelligence and corroborated by satellite imagery, enabling surgical strikes that minimized collateral damage.
Response and Aftermath
Pakistan retaliated with artillery shelling and attempted drone attacks, but Indian forces maintained control and pushed for de-escalation. The success of Operation Sindoor was publicly validated by satellite visuals and video evidence released by IAF, distinguishing it from prior conflicts.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Q1: What was Operation Sindoor?
A military campaign launched by India in May 2025 as retaliation against the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Q2: How many Pakistani aircraft were shot down during Operation Sindoor?
India downed five Pakistani fighter jets and one large surveillance aircraft.
Q3: What missile system was primarily used to shoot down the aircraft?
The Russian-made S-400 surface-to-air missile system.
Q4: Which Pakistani airbases were targeted in the operation?
Key airbases such as Sukkur, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari were hit, damaging radar sites, hangars, and command centers.
Published on: August 9, 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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