Operation Sindoor: IAF Chief Confirms Destruction of Pakistani F-16s, Showcasing India’s Quiet Strength, Restraint, and Responsible Global Posture
For the first time since Operation Sindoor was launched in May, Air Chief Marshal A P Singh publicly confirmed the scale of damage inflicted on Pakistan’s military assets. Speaking at the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations,
Singh stated that the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed four to five fighter aircraft, most likely F-16s, in addition to hitting radar stations, command centres, aircraft hangars, runways, and a C-130 transport aircraft.
This delayed disclosure, more than three months after the operation, underscores India’s built-in restraint, strategic patience, and mature approach to military engagement.
Unlike certain global powers that immediately flood media channels with claims and propaganda, India prioritised verification and maintained dignified silence, letting actions speak louder than rhetoric.
The Retaliatory Strikes
Operation Sindoor was launched on the night of May 6–7, following the April 22 Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Touted as the most expansive cross-border retaliation since the 2019 Balakot airstrikes and 2016 Uri surgical strikes, the operation aimed to degrade Pakistan’s air power, disrupt terrorist support infrastructure, and weaken command and control systems.
According to Air Chief Marshal Singh, the strikes accomplished the following:
- Damaged three aircraft hangars and multiple Pakistani airfields.
- Knocked out radar stations at four locations.
- Targeted two command-and-control centres.
- Crippled runways at two bases.
- Disabled a C-130 class transport aircraft.
- Destroyed one surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.
- Conducted a deep strike over 300 km, likely neutralising an AEW&C or another high-value target.
- Destroyed 4–5 fighter jets, most likely F-16s, that were under maintenance.
- Intelligence indicated that up to five additional frontline fighters (F-16 and JF-17 class) were rendered unusable.
First Official Confirmation of F-16 Losses
Before this announcement, the IAF had been deliberately cautious. During the August 9 L M Katre Memorial Lecture, Singh had only confirmed “at least five fighters and one large aircraft” without naming them.
Thursday’s statement is the first official confirmation of Pakistan’s F-16 losses, reflecting the IAF’s methodical approach of evidence-based disclosure, not sensationalism.
Indian Losses and Tactical Adaptation
While Singh refrained from detailing Indian casualties, officials have acknowledged some losses. CDS General Anil Chauhan noted that India lost “an unspecified number of aircraft,” and Air Marshal A K Bharti explained that combat losses were natural.
Captain Shiv Kumar, India’s Defence Attaché to Indonesia, highlighted that initial political restrictions had prevented strikes on Pakistani air defences, which were later neutralised using precise tactics and BrahMos missile strikes.
Political Perspective
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, in Parliament, emphasised: Did India destroy terror bases? Yes. Was Operation Sindoor successful? Yes. Were the masters of terrorists who desecrated the foreheads of our sisters destroyed?
Yes. Did our soldiers face any losses? No. Focus on big things, not small ones — else we lose focus on big issues and the honour of our soldiers.”
This statement highlights India’s focus on strategic objectives rather than public posturing or exaggeration of military exploits.
Geopolitical Implications: India as a Responsible Power
Beyond operational success, Operation Sindoor enhances India’s international credibility.
- Restraint vs. Propaganda: Unlike Pakistan, which historically inflates military claims, or other powers that publicise operations for immediate global attention, India displayed calculated patience.
- Deterrence without escalation: By neutralising threats decisively yet quietly, India sent a message that it can protect sovereignty without unnecessary theatrics.
- Strategic credibility: India’s measured approach strengthens its image as a responsible global power, capable of conducting military operations that are precise, proportional, and legally and ethically grounded.
- Counterbalancing US-Russia-Pakistan dynamics: The operation reinforces India’s independent strategic posture, demonstrating that India does not rely on foreign propaganda or support, unlike Pakistan’s dependency on US-supplied F-16s and narrative amplification.
Conclusion
Operation Sindoor stands as a testament to India’s quiet strength, operational excellence, and mature diplomacy.
The IAF’s delayed confirmation of destroyed F-16s reflects India’s preference for credibility over boastfulness, restraint over rhetoric, and action over announcements.
India’s global image benefits not merely from military successes but from demonstrating ethical responsibility, strategic patience, and professional integrity.
In a world where misinformation and self-promotion often dominate, India’s approach signals that true power lies in measured action, accountability, and restraint.
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