Pakistan Claims Six Indian Jets Shot Down During May Conflict

Lahore, August 2025 – Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has revealed that Islamabad possesses video evidence of six Indian aircraft being shot down during a short military confrontation in May.

The clash followed India’s accusation that Pakistan was involved in the Pahalgam attack, which Pakistan strongly denied. According to Islamabad, the downed jets included French-made Rafale fighters. While India acknowledged some losses, its military denied losing six aircraft.

Speaking at a seminar in Lahore, Naqvi said he had direct access to key information during the conflict and highlighted the crucial role of Pakistan’s intelligence agencies, which reportedly had advanced knowledge of Indian plans and aircraft movements.

Video Evidence Confirms Strikes

Naqvi emphasized that Pakistan waited to announce the incident until video confirmation was received, which reportedly came within minutes of the event. He added that Pakistan’s retaliatory strikes targeted military installations near populated areas while avoiding civilian casualties. One strike reportedly destroyed a major Indian oil depot.

He also mentioned that Nur Khan Airbase near Rawalpindi was hit by Indian missiles but sustained no damage, while another base experienced minor casualties.

Conflict Overview

The confrontation escalated on May 6-7, when Indian airstrikes reportedly killed at least 40 Pakistani civilians. Missile exchanges continued for a week until a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was implemented.

In July, former U.S. President Donald Trump noted that five jets were shot down during the conflict, without specifying sides.

Pakistan Air Force spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed described the PAF’s response as bold and resolute, while Chinese air force chief Lieutenant General Wang Gang praised Pakistani pilots’ performance.