Operation Sindoor: Six Pakistani Aircraft Downed, Confirms Indian Air Force Chief

Largest Surface-to-Air Kill on Record

In a major revelation, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has confirmed that six Pakistani aircraft were shot down during Operation Sindoor, including five fighter jets and a large surveillance aircraft, in a decisive blow to Pakistan’s aerial capabilities. The announcement was made during the 16th Air Chief Marshal LM Katre Lecture held in Bengaluru.

The operation, conducted on May 7 in response to the Pahalgam attack, marked a turning point in recent India-Pakistan hostilities. The "big bird" downed by Indian forces is believed to be either an AEW&C (Airborne Early Warning and Control) or ELINT (Electronic Intelligence) aircraft. The aircraft was hit from a staggering 300 km away, making it the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill, according to the Air Chief.

S-400 a ‘Game-Changer’ as Airbases Struck Deep Inside Pakistan

India’s recently acquired Russian-made S-400 missile system played a pivotal role in repelling Pakistani forces. “They couldn’t get close enough to use their long-range glide bombs. The S-400 kept their aircraft at bay,” said Singh.

In addition to mid-air kills, the Indian Air Force struck hangars at Jacobabad and Bholari airbases, destroying several US-made F-16s undergoing maintenance, as well as a second AEW&C platform.

The scale of damage reportedly forced Pakistan to seek a ceasefire, with hostilities ending on May 10. Singh praised the political leadership for granting the military full operational freedom during the campaign.

The confirmation underscores India's air superiority and its expanding technological edge in regional conflicts — marking Operation Sindoor as a critical chapter in the subcontinent’s modern military history.