Three months after May’s cross-border clashes, Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh claimed the IAF downed five Pakistani fighter jets and one military surveillance aircraft in “the largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill.” The announcement came despite Pakistan’s repeated denials and the absence of supporting evidence.
Cheng Calls Allegations ‘Comical’ and ‘Implausible’
Cheng Xizhong, China’s former defence attaché in South Asia and now a senior research fellow at the Charhar Institute, rejected the claim as “self-amusement.” He said New Delhi’s statement lacked radar data, wreckage photos, or other verifiable proof, while Pakistan had immediately provided technical briefings to the international media after the conflict.
Evidence Points to Indian Losses
Cheng cited confirmations from global leaders, senior Indian politicians, and foreign intelligence that India suffered heavy aircraft losses. He reiterated Pakistan’s claim that six Indian aircraft, S-400 air defence systems, and drones were destroyed, with several air bases disabled, and that no Pakistani jet was hit.
Pakistan’s Leadership Dismisses the Claim
Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif labelled Singh’s statement as fabricated, while former envoy Dr Maleeha Lodhi called it “laughable.” India’s Congress party also questioned why Operation Sindoor was halted if the IAF was in a strong position.
Independent Reports Back Pakistan’s Account
France’s Air Chief General Jerome Bellanger has confirmed the loss of three Indian fighters, including a Rafale. The Washington Post reported at least two Rafales shot down, based on expert analysis of visual evidence. India’s defence attaché to Indonesia has admitted that PAF downed Indian jets.
PAF’s Coordinated Defence Operation
According to PAF officials, the May 7 air battle lasted around an hour, during which three Rafales, one Su-30MKI, and one MiG-29 were destroyed without any Pakistani aircraft crossing the border. Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed described the encounter as a “textbook case of modern aerial warfare,” with 42 Pakistani aircraft countering over 70 Indian jets through a defensive counter-air strategy.
IAF Yet to Respond
The Indian Air Force has not officially commented on Cheng’s remarks or the mounting independent evidence contradicting its claim.
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