The Indian Air Force Chief, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, on Friday confirmed the destruction of multiple Pakistani fighter jets and installations during the recently concluded Operation Sindoor. Addressing the media in New Delhi, he said that the strikes targeted critical Pakistani assets across several airbases, leading to the loss of aircraft, radar systems, command centres, and a surface-to-air missile installation. He described the success of the mission as historic, highlighting both the precision of India’s long-range missile capabilities and the clarity of the operation’s objectives.

Multiple Pakistani Assets Targeted

Air Chief Marshal Singh explained that the IAF carried out coordinated air strikes that hit several key Pakistani airfields. The operations damaged radars at four locations and destroyed command and control centres at two different bases. Two runways were also hit, disrupting Pakistan’s ability to launch or land aircraft. In addition, three hangars at separate stations were destroyed.

The Chief further revealed that four to five Pakistani fighter jets, most likely F-16s, were destroyed on the ground during maintenance. He said this assessment was based on evidence from IAF’s surveillance system. A C-130-class aircraft was also hit, along with a high-value platform likely to be an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft. Such losses, he remarked, would have significantly curtailed Pakistan’s aerial capabilities during the conflict. Singh described the destruction of a Pakistani surface-to-air missile site as another key success, noting that it expanded the IAF’s ability to dominate airspace.

Historic Long-Range Missile Strike

One of the highlights of Operation Sindoor, according to the IAF Chief, was India’s longest successful missile strike with a range of more than 300 kilometres. Singh said the IAF used newly inducted long-range surface-to-air missile systems to look deep inside Pakistani territory and deny them the freedom to operate even within their own skies. He called the long-range kill a landmark achievement that would be remembered in military history.

By destroying crucial platforms and striking deep, he explained, India managed to limit Pakistan’s ability to retaliate. Singh emphasised that the strikes were carefully planned, with the primary focus on weakening Pakistan’s military infrastructure while keeping the conflict limited in scope. “We ensured that they could not operate even within a certain distance inside their own borders,” the Chief said, describing how the operation shifted the balance in India’s favour.

Achieving Objectives Quickly

Air Chief Marshal Singh underlined that India entered the conflict with a clear directive and completed its mission goals swiftly. He contrasted this with ongoing global wars which, he said, show no sign of ending due to lack of clarity or political indecision. By comparison, India conducted a limited conflict with a focused approach and stopped it after achieving key objectives.

He said the swiftness with which India compelled Pakistan to seek a ceasefire was proof of the success of this military strategy. Singh remarked that the nation had exercised restraint by terminating hostilities despite having the capability to prolong the war. “We had a clear mandate and we achieved our objectives. As a responsible nation, we took the call to stop further escalation once those objectives were met,” he said.

The IAF Chief concluded by stating that Operation Sindoor serves as a lesson in modern conflict management, highlighting the importance of both technological superiority and political clarity. According to him, India has demonstrated how wars can be fought with precision, limited in timeframe, and brought to a decisive end.

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