Following India’s Operation Sindoor and the release of evidence by the Indian Air Force, Pakistan has strongly contested the Indian claims. The Indian side presented satellite images and other supporting evidence. However, Pakistan has consistently denied any losses during the operation. The recent statements by Indian Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh have drawn a sharp response from Pakistan. Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif denied that Indian forces were able to target or destroy any Pakistani aircraft during the recent clashes. Previously, Air Chief Marshal Amarpreet Singh stated that the IAF downed five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft during Operation Sindoor. Singh indicated the presence of at least one AWACS and F-16 aircraft at an AWACS hangar. The IAF claims to have concrete evidence that it downed five fighter jets, including a large aircraft, possibly an AWACS, that was targeted from approximately 300 kilometers away. Numerous UAVs, drones, and some missiles also fell into Indian territory after the operation. Khawaja Asif, through a social media post, denied India’s claims of taking down any Pakistani aircraft. He questioned the delay in making these claims and described the statements by the Indian Air Force chief as ‘as unbelievable as they are ill-timed.’ Asif further claimed that the Indian armed forces also suffered significant losses along the Line of Control. He proposed that both sides open their aircraft inventories for independent verification to uncover the truth, while expressing his doubts regarding India’s willingness to reveal its losses. He also warned that Pakistan would respond decisively to any violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
