Photo Credit: AFP
In a rare and candid admission, Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan has confirmed that India did lose some fighter aircraft during the recent four-day military conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. While rejecting exaggerated claims by Islamabad, General Chauhan emphasized that the focus should be on operational learnings rather than the mere count of lost jets.
The conflict, referred to unofficially as Operation Sindoor, was triggered by Indian precision strikes on terror launchpads deep inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan retaliated with a coordinated aerial offensive and claimed to have downed six Indian jets, including three Rafales, a claim dismissed as “absolutely incorrect” by the Indian defence leadership.
However, speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan stated, “What is important is not the jet being downed, but why it was downed. What mistakes were made – those are important.” He confirmed that India did lose a few fighter aircraft early in the operation but quickly recalibrated its strategy.
The Indian Air Force responded with improved tactics and successfully struck deeper military installations in Pakistan, reversing the initial tactical setback. While exact numbers remain classified, sources indicate that the losses were limited and did not include the Rafale jets, contradicting Pakistan’s narrative.
The official acknowledgment has triggered political ripples back home. Telangana minister and ex-IAF pilot N. Uttam Kumar Reddy publicly urged the central government to release a detailed account of the conflict, alleging that initial denials only weakened public trust and transparency.
Despite the loss of jets, military experts have praised India’s rapid strategic adaptation. The improved aerial operations later in the conflict reportedly caused significant damage to Pakistani airbases and missile systems, eventually leading to a ceasefire on May 10.
The broader message from India’s defence leadership is one of reflection and readiness. By highlighting the importance of learning from mistakes, the Indian Armed Forces have reiterated their commitment to staying tactically agile in the face of complex regional threats.
As tensions simmer but both sides return to diplomatic channels, India’s rare public admission of military losses – paired with its emphasis on lessons learnt may signal a more open and confident defence posture going forward.
