Indian military confirms loss of fighter jets in conflict with Pakistan for the first time as India’s Chief of Defence Staff appeared in an interview.
For the first time, India’s military has publicly admitted to losing fighter jets during the recent skirmishes with Pakistan on May 10.
During an interview with Bloomberg TV at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, acknowledged the aircraft losses, though he chose not to disclose how many jets were downed.
“What is important is not the number of jets that were downed, but why they were downed,” General Chauhan said. “Understanding the mistakes that led to the losses, correcting them, and ensuring they are not repeated — that is what matters.”
He highlighted that the Indian Air Force (IAF) quickly addressed the tactical errors that led to the losses.
He added that the IAF resumed operations within 48 hours, with all aircraft back in action and engaging long-range targets after correcting the initial mistakes.
General Chauhan rejected Pakistan’s statement that six Indian jets were downed, calling the claim exaggerated. Until now, New Delhi had avoided making any public statements regarding aircraft losses in the confrontation.
His comments are the most direct confirmation so far from an Indian authority about the outcome of the short-lived but intense aerial engagement with Pakistan.
Earlier, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that the Pakistan Air Force had downed six Indian fighter aircraft during the conflict.
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