Operation Sindoor: IAF Downs 5 Pakistani Jets, Executes Record Long-Range Kill

New Delhi, India: In a landmark military feat, the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed at least five Pakistani fighter jets and a large airborne surveillance aircraft during Operation Sindoor, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh confirmed on Saturday. Speaking at an event in Bengaluru, the IAF chief hailed the 300 km-range strike on a large ELINT/AEW&C aircraft as the longest recorded surface-to-air kill in history, while revealing extensive damage to Pakistan’s air defence and command infrastructure.

Highlights

• Historic 300 km kill largest ever surface-to-air strike recorded.
• Five Pakistani jets downed, including F-16s under maintenance.
• Key hits: UAV hangar in Sukkur, Bholari hangar, Jacobabad F-16 hangar.
• Two command centres and six radar sites destroyed.
• Operation launched in retaliation for Pahalgam terror attack.
• Political green light gave armed forces full operational freedom.

Massive Damage to Pakistan’s Defence

During his address at the HAL Management Academy, ACM Singh outlined precision strikes on Murid and Chaklala command centres, six radar installations, and two Surface-to-Air Guided Weapon systems in Lahore and Okara. The attacks crippled three major hangars, including one housing F-16 fighters and a critical AEW&C platform.

The “Ghost of Balakot” Laid to Rest

Referring to the 2019 Balakot airstrike, Singh expressed satisfaction that this time, clear video evidence of the strikes was available to counter doubts. “We were lucky to get these videos in the open… We were able to tell the world what we have achieved,” he said.

Political Backing and Joint Force Coordination

The Air Chief credited political leadership for imposing no operational restrictions. The Chief of Defence Staff ensured seamless coordination between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, while the National Security Advisor brought multiple agencies together.

Why Operation Sindoor Happened

Launched on May 7, 2025, Operation Sindoor was India’s military retaliation to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, which killed 26 civilians. The mission targeted terror hubs in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir, eliminating over 100 terrorists linked to Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.

Ceasefire and the Road Ahead

The four-day conflict ended after US-led diplomatic intervention. Pakistan’s military offered a ceasefire, which India accepted, but Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned that future terror acts will be treated as acts of war.