India lost some fighter jets during the early part of the recent conflict with Pakistan, said Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on Saturday. However, he did not say exactly how many jets were lost.
General Chauhan explained that the Indian Air Force (IAF) made some mistakes at the start, which caused the losses. But after realizing these mistakes, they quickly fixed them and changed their strategy. After two days, the IAF resumed flying jets with better tactics, attacking from longer distances.
When asked about Pakistan’s claim that they shot down six Indian jets, General Chauhan called it “absolutely incorrect.”
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During the conflict from May 7 to May 10, the IAF used Rafale jets to launch SCALP missiles and Su-30MKI jets to fire BrahMos missiles in coordinated attacks.
General Chauhan confirmed that some fighter jets were lost but did not say if any Rafale jets were among them.
In another interview, he said India adapted its strategy quickly after the early losses.
An IAF spokesperson did not provide details on the number of jets lost or the mistakes made.
Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, said on May 11 that losses are a normal part of combat. He also said the important thing is whether the IAF achieved its goal of destroying terrorist camps, and the answer is yes. He added that all pilots returned safely.
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The IAF carried out Operation Sindoor during the conflict, striking nine terror camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and hitting 13 airbases and military sites in Pakistan. The fighting included fighter jets, drones, missiles, long-range weapons, and heavy artillery.
