The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially revealed the scale of damage inflicted on the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the May 7 Pahalgam terror attack. In its first detailed disclosure, the IAF confirmed downing six Pakistani aircraft: five fighter jets and a large airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) plane during the three-day offensive.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh described the AEW&C’s destruction as a major setback for Pakistan’s air capabilities. Struck from a distance of 300 km, it marked the largest recorded surface-to-air kill by the IAF. He credited the Russian-made S-400 air defence system for its decisive role, calling it a “game-changer” that kept Pakistani aircraft from deploying long-range glide bombs.

“Our air defence systems did a wonderful job. They have not been able to penetrate the S-400’s range or use their long-range munitions,” Singh stated during the 16th Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Lecture in Bengaluru.

In addition to aerial kills, Indian strikes targeted Pakistani airbases at Jacobabad and Bholari. At Jacobabad, hangars housing U.S.-made F-16s under maintenance were destroyed. At Bholari, another AEW&C is believed to have been eliminated. “We have indications of at least one AEW&C in that hangar, along with several F-16s,” Singh noted.

The IAF’s strikes and air defence successes dealt such extensive damage that, according to Singh, Pakistan concluded further hostilities would result in even greater losses. This realisation prompted Islamabad to seek a ceasefire, effectively ending the confrontation on May 10.

Operation Sindoor’s outcome underscores India’s enhanced air defence and strike capabilities, with the S-400 system emerging as a key deterrent. The mission not only neutralised critical Pakistani assets but also demonstrated the strategic edge of India’s integrated air warfare systems.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially revealed the scale of damage inflicted on the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during Operation Sindoor, launched in retaliation to the May 7 Pahalgam terror attack. In its first detailed disclosure, the IAF confirmed downing six Pakistani aircraft: five fighter jets and a large airborne early warning and control system (AEW&C) plane during the three-day offensive.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh described the AEW&C’s destruction as a major setback for Pakistan’s air capabilities. Struck from a distance of 300 km, it marked the largest recorded surface-to-air kill by the IAF. He credited the Russian-made S-400 air defence system for its decisive role, calling it a “game-changer” that kept Pakistani aircraft from deploying long-range glide bombs.

“Our air defence systems did a wonderful job. They have not been able to penetrate the S-400’s range or use their long-range munitions,” Singh stated during the 16th Air Chief Marshal L.M. Katre Lecture in Bengaluru.

In addition to aerial kills, Indian strikes targeted Pakistani airbases at Jacobabad and Bholari. At Jacobabad, hangars housing U.S.-made F-16s under maintenance were destroyed. At Bholari, another AEW&C is believed to have been eliminated. “We have indications of at least one AEW&C in that hangar, along with several F-16s,” Singh noted.

The IAF’s strikes and air defence successes dealt such extensive damage that, according to Singh, Pakistan concluded further hostilities would result in even greater losses. This realisation prompted Islamabad to seek a ceasefire, effectively ending the confrontation on May 10.

Operation Sindoor’s outcome underscores India’s enhanced air defence and strike capabilities, with the S-400 system emerging as a key deterrent. The mission not only neutralised critical Pakistani assets but also demonstrated the strategic edge of India’s integrated air warfare systems.