Indian Air Force Chief Repeats Claims of Downing 5 Pakistani Jets Amid May Conflict
Oct 3, 2025
NEW DELHI / ISLAMABAD: Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh on Friday claimed that Indian forces “downed five Pakistani fighter jets” of the F-16 and JF-17 class during the May escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbours.
Speaking at the Indian Air Force annual day press conference, Singh said, “As far as air defence is concerned, our system indicates the destruction of five high-tech fighters, including F-16s and JF-17s.” However, he did not provide any supporting evidence for the claim.
The F-16 is a US-made aircraft, while the JF-17 is manufactured in China. This is the first time New Delhi has publicly specified the classes of jets allegedly destroyed. Singh also declined to comment on reports of Indian jets being downed by Pakistan during the conflict.
Pakistan Rejects Claims
Pakistan immediately dismissed Singh’s claims as “implausible”, with Defence Minister Khawaja Asif pointing out that Pakistan had provided detailed technical briefings to international media shortly after the conflict, while India waited months to make any assertions. Asif emphasized that independent verification of air fleets would settle such disputes.
During the May conflict, which lasted four days and saw intense air and ground engagements, Pakistan reported shooting down six Indian fighter jets, including Rafale jets, while India admitted to “some losses” but denied losing six jets.
Ongoing Tensions
The escalation began after an attack on Hindu tourists in occupied Kashmir, which India alleged involved Pakistan—a claim Islamabad has consistently denied. Both nations employed fighter jets, missiles, artillery, and drones, resulting in dozens of casualties before a ceasefire was agreed upon.
Tensions remain high, affecting areas from trade and travel to regional cooperation. India has also paused the Indus Waters Treaty, a move Pakistan described as an “act of war,” further straining relations.
This latest statement by the Indian Air Force chief comes amid ongoing international scrutiny and conflicting claims about the scale of losses during the May conflict.
