India’s Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has reignited controversy with new claims about the May 2025 air battle with Pakistan, asserting that the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed five Pakistani aircraft, including JF-17s and F-16s.
His remarks, made 150 days after the conflict, have sparked criticism for sidestepping questions about India’s own losses in the clash.
"As far as air defence part is concerned, we have evidence of one long range strike...along with that five fighters, high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class, our system tells us," Singh told reporters at the Indian Air Force annual day press conference.
The F-16 is a US-made fighter jet while the JF-17 is of Chinese origin.
India’s fresh claims and silence on losses
Singh claimed that Pakistan’s fighter jets were downed during the confrontation but offered no proof. Instead, he demanded that Pakistan “show pictures” if Indian aircraft were indeed shot down. However, he refused to disclose how many Indian planes were lost, replying, “I will not respond,” when questioned.
On Friday, Singh also declined to respond to questions on Pakistan's claim of downing Indian jets.
This latest assertion comes despite global recognition of Indian losses. The wreckage of Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft was widely circulated during the conflict, and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed it had shot down seven Indian jets.
Pakistan’s counterclaims and global endorsements
The PAF had publicly announced during the war that it successfully downed seven Indian aircraft, a claim echoed by several international voices. US President Donald Trump had repeatedly said that seven planes were shot down, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the matter at the United Nations, calling it a decisive victory for the PAF’s “falcons.”
Even India’s Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan and opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi have raised questions over missing Rafale jets, with the Modi government remaining tight-lipped.
Evidence contradicting India’s position
The wreckage of Indian fighter jets, including Rafales carried away on tractors, was seen worldwide, undermining India’s narrative. Pakistan, meanwhile, showcased evidence to back its claims, while India has continued to rely on denials and what critics describe as “empty slogans.”
