Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, announced on Friday that 4 to 5 Pakistani F-16 fighter jets were destroyed on the ground during the recent Operation Sindoor. This operation marks a pivotal moment in India’s military strategy against aerial threats.
During a media briefing in New Delhi, Singh detailed how the IAF executed precision strikes on several Pakistani airbases, causing substantial damage to critical military infrastructure. Radars, command centers, runways, hangars, and even a surface-to-air missile (SAM) system came under assault.
“We struck a large number of their airfields and installations…radars at four places, command centers at two locations, two runways, and three hangars were destroyed. We have evidence of one C-130 aircraft being hit, and at least 4–5 fighters, most likely F-16s, which were under maintenance at that time,” stated the Air Chief Marshal.
In this operation, the IAF employed its newly procured long-range SAMs, which successfully restricted the operations of the Pakistan Air Force even within its own territorial bounds. A remarkable achievement of the mission was a historic missile strike exceeding 300 kilometres, significantly impairing Pakistan’s capacity to respond aerially.
Singh referred to Operation Sindoor as a decisive and time-bound success, emphasizing, “This was a war started with a clear objective and concluded swiftly once our goals were achieved. Unlike prolonged global conflicts, India demonstrated that clarity and precision can force an adversary to ask for a ceasefire.”
He also pointed out that the lessons learned from this operation could offer valuable insights to the international community, particularly as many ongoing conflicts around the globe remain unresolved.
As tensions in the region escalate, India’s strategic capabilities have seemingly strengthened, with military analysts highlighting the importance of advancements like the long-range missile strikes that have set a new standard for aerial engagements.
The successful execution of Operation Sindoor has sparked a renewed debate on the effectiveness of modern warfare techniques, particularly the role of aircraft in regional conflicts. With this operation, the IAF reaffirms its position as a formidable force against external aggressors.
