Indian Defence Chief Acknowledges Aircraft Losses Amidst Tensions with Pakistan

In a recent statement, General Anil Chauhan, Chief of Defence Staff, acknowledged the Indian Air Force's losses during Operation Sindoor, stressing the need to understand the reasons behind these incidents. He refuted Pakistan's claims of downing Indian jets and highlighted the military's ability to learn from tactical mistakes. The comments were made during the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, amidst rising tensions following military operations targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan. This article delves into the implications of these statements and the ongoing conflict between India and Pakistan.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 31, 2025, 15:06 IST

Acknowledgment of Aircraft Losses

During a recent statement, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan addressed the losses of Indian Air Force aircraft during Operation Sindoor, emphasizing that the focus should be on the reasons behind these losses rather than the aircraft themselves. He remarked, “What is crucial is not the jet being down, but why they were down,” as reported by a news outlet.

Chauhan elaborated, stating, “Understanding the mistakes made is vital.” He noted that while numbers are not the primary concern, recognizing tactical errors allows for necessary corrections. “The positive aspect is our ability to identify these mistakes, rectify them, and resume operations effectively,” he added.

Despite acknowledging the losses, Chauhan firmly rejected Pakistan's assertion that it had shot down six Indian fighter jets, labeling these claims as “absolutely incorrect.”

His remarks were made during an interview with a news channel at the Shangri-La Dialogue, an international security policy event held in Singapore.

On May 11, Air Marshal AK Bharti addressed similar questions regarding Pakistan's claims of downed Indian aircraft, stating, “We are in a combat scenario. Losses are part of combat.” He reassured that all pilots had returned safely.

Bharti emphasized that the military's objectives of dismantling terrorist camps had been achieved, asserting, “The answer is yes.” He also mentioned that the Indian forces had successfully downed several Pakistani aircraft, although he did not specify the number.

Escalating tensions between India and Pakistan began on May 7, when the Indian military executed strikes, known as Operation Sindoor, targeting alleged terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. This operation was a response to a terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in 26 fatalities on April 22.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Army engaged in shelling Indian villages along the Line of Control, leading to casualties among civilians and defense personnel. Reports indicate that at least 22 Indian civilians and seven military members lost their lives during this period.

Following four days of conflict, India and Pakistan reached an agreement on May 10 to cease hostilities, a truce that has largely been maintained since then.