Operation Sindoor Anniversary: India Says 11 Pakistani Airbases, 13 Aircraft Destroyed in 88-Hour Military Offensive
Marking one year of Operation Sindoor, the Indian Armed Forces on Thursday revealed new details about what officials described as one of India’s most decisive military campaigns in recent decades.
According to the military, the 88-hour operation destroyed 11 Pakistani airbases, 13 aircraft, and eliminated nearly 100 terrorists.
Addressing a press conference, A K Bharti, who served as Director General of Air Operations during the mission, said the operation fully achieved its intended objectives and that Pakistan failed to inflict any significant damage on India.
“Pakistan’s claims about causing losses to India were fabricated and baseless,” Air Marshal Bharti said. “Our air strikes successfully hit the targets we had identified.”
He also stated that the Indian Air Force continues to closely monitor military developments and activities in both Pakistan and China.
One of the most striking revelations made during the briefing was that an enemy aircraft was reportedly shot down at an altitude of nearly 300 kilometres during the operation, highlighting the scale and sophistication of India’s air defence capabilities.
Calling Operation Sindoor the strongest Indian military mission in nearly five decades, Rajeev Ghai, who served as Director General of Military Operations during the campaign and is now Deputy Chief of Army Staff, said the mission was far from over in strategic terms.
“This is not the end of Operation Sindoor — it is only the beginning,” Lieutenant General Ghai said. India forced the enemy to bow down. The ceasefire came only after all operational objectives had been achieved.”
He noted that while many conflicts around the world drag on for years, India demonstrated its ability to carry out swift, precise and effective military action.
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7 following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam, which triggered a sharp escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan.
Senior military officials also highlighted the crucial role played by India’s indigenous defence systems during the operation. Lieutenant General Ghai said the campaign showcased the growing strength of home-grown military technology.
Weapons systems such as the BrahMos missile, the Akash air defence system, along with advanced surveillance and monitoring infrastructure, played a vital role in the success of the mission, he said.
A N Pramod, who oversaw naval operations during the campaign, said India’s forward deployment strategy forced the Pakistani Navy and Air Force into a defensive position.
He added that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India’s capability to carry out accurate and deep precision strikes inside Pakistani territory if required.
The detailed disclosures made on the anniversary of the operation appear aimed at underlining India’s expanding military preparedness, technological capabilities, and readiness to respond strongly to cross-border threats.
