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Operation Sindoor: India Shoots Down Six Pakistani Aircraft
On August 9, 2025, the Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh, confirmed that during Operation Sindoor in May, India shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large military surveillance aircraft, believed to be an AWACS, using the advanced S-400 missile defense system. The surveillance aircraft was destroyed at a distance of about 300 km, marking what he described as the largest-ever surface-to-air kill.
Operational Impact and Ground Strikes
The Air Chief also revealed that Indian airstrikes damaged F-16 fighter jets parked in hangars at Pakistani air bases, further reducing the adversary’s combat readiness. He credited the S-400 system for enabling these long-range, high-precision strikes and for setting a record in air defense capability.
Why This Is Significant
This is the first official confirmation from the IAF leadership, adding weight to earlier battlefield reports. Pakistan has not issued any formal response to the claim. Military analysts believe the operation highlights a significant shift in the region’s air defense balance, underscoring India’s growing strategic reach.
