On Saturday, at the HAL Management Academy Auditorium, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh disclosed that five Pakistani fighter jets and another large aircraft were shot down during Operation Sindoor.

“We have confirmed the downing of at least five fighter jets and one large aircraft, which may be classified as either an ELINT aircraft or an AEW & C aircraft, targeted from approximately 300 kilometers away. This represents the largest recorded surface-to-air kill that we can discuss.”

He mentioned that the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield, a significant airfield, was attacked as he detailed the operation. An F-16 hangar was struck, resulting in the destruction of half of its structure, and some aircraft within were also damaged, Singh noted.

“None of their aircraft could approach the boundaries of Akash or even MRSAM,” Singh stated. “All their aircraft were engaged by LRSAM as they attempted to maintain distance, yet they occasionally fell within our range, providing us with target opportunities.”

“That night, we had no restrictions and decided to launch an attack at the Pan Front, stretching our resources,” he explained. “The objective was not merely to target a specific airfield and obliterate it, but to demonstrate our capability to strike deep inside at will, wherever we chose. Bholari, an AEW&C hangar, was also attacked, and we have a strong indication that an aircraft was present at the time of this strike.” He also presented satellite images of the terror targets that were hit during the attack on May 7.

“We successfully targeted at least two command and control centers, such as Murid and Chaklala, along with at least six radars, varying in size… We have evidence of at least one AEW&C in that hangar and several F-16s undergoing maintenance there… We have confirmed the downing of at least five fighter jets and one large aircraft, which may be classified as either an ELINT aircraft or an AEW & C aircraft, targeted from approximately 300 kilometers away. This is indeed the largest surface-to-air kill ever documented that we can discuss.

‘No limitations were imposed on us’
Expressing gratitude towards the government, the Air Chief Marshal noted that a significant factor in their success was the presence of political will. “We received very explicit instructions. No limitations were imposed on us.”

“If there were any limitations, they were self-imposed… We determined the extent of escalation… We had complete autonomy to plan and execute. Our attacks were measured because we aimed to approach it maturely… There was a coordination among the three forces… The establishment of the CDS made a significant impact. He was instrumental in uniting us… The NSA also played a crucial role in coordinating all the agencies…”

Air Chief’s remark towards Pakistan
The Air Chief Marshal also made a pointed remark towards Pakistan, stating that he had the opportunity “to visit Sargodha” just prior to his retirement. Sargodha was one of the primary bases targeted during India’s operations against Pakistan.

“Sargodha, we have grown up in our Air Force, fantasizing about moments like this, hoping that one day, we would have the opportunity to go there. It just so happens that I got my chance right before I retired… So we engaged the airfield there…”