India’s Air Chief Amarpreet Singh has claimed the downing of five Pakistani fighter jets during May 10 conflict against Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference, Singh alleged that India destroyed advanced Pakistani aircraft, including F-16 and JF-17 Thunder jets, during the conflict in May, though no proof was shared publicly.
When questioned about Indian aircraft reportedly destroyed by Pakistan, the Air Chief avoided answering, leaving journalists unsatisfied.
His silence has sparked further doubts about India’s military assertions.
Meanwhile, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi warned Pakistan to stop supporting terrorism. Addressing troops in Rajasthan, he threatened that the restraint shown during Operation Sindoor would not be repeated.
Dwivedi also ordered soldiers to remain prepared for any action against Pakistan. His aggressive statements came amid rising tensions following months of cross-border clashes and airstrikes in May.
READ: Pakistan ‘shot down’ India’s Rafale, Mirage: The Washington Post
Pakistan’s Defense Minister Khawaja Asif dismissed the Indian Air Chief’s remarks. He challenged India to independently verify both countries’ current aircraft inventories, a move that could clarify the conflicting claims.
According to reports, on May 6-7, the Indian aircraft attacked multiple targets inside Pakistan, resulting in civilian casualties, including women and minor children.
In response, Pakistan’s Air Force retaliated and destroyed seven Indian jets, including seven advanced Rafale Russian fighter jets.
India later conducted drone and missile strikes against Pakistani cities. Pakistan retaliated under Operation Banyan Marsus, targeting Indian air bases and military installations, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed neighbors.
Pakistan maintains that its military response was necessary and proportionate, while India continues to push unverified claims about Pakistan’s losses. Independent observers have urged both nations to de-escalate immediately.
