Unveiling Operation Sindoor: The Truth Behind India's Aircraft Losses

Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7, 2025, targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Conflicting claims emerged regarding Indian aircraft losses during the operation. Below is a point-by-point analysis based on available information from U.S. and Pakistani perspectives, supported by a data table.

• Pakistani Claims: Pakistani military officials, including Lieutenant General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry and Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, claimed that five Indian fighter jets were shot down, specifying three Rafale jets, one Sukhoi Su-30, and one MiG-29. These claims were reported by Pakistani media like Dawn and PTV, citing incidents around Bhatinda, Akhnoor, and Awantipora. However, Pakistan provided no verifiable evidence like satellite imagery or detailed wreckage photos to substantiate these claims.

 

• U.S. Perspective: U.S. sources, including Reuters and CNN, reported that at least two Indian aircraft were confirmed to have crashed, with debris found in Indian-controlled territory, suggesting losses occurred without deep penetration into Pakistani airspace. A French intelligence official, cited by CNN, confirmed the loss of one Rafale jet, marking its first combat loss. The Washington Post also noted debris evidence supporting 2-3 aircraft losses, possibly including Rafale, Sukhoi, or MiG-29.

 

• Indian Response: India has not officially confirmed specific aircraft losses but acknowledged combat losses as part of Operation Sindoor. Air Marshal AK Bharti emphasized that all Indian pilots returned safely, and the operation achieved its objectives. Indian sources refuted claims of a Rafale being shot down near Bahawalpur, citing an old 2024 image misused by Pakistani media.

 

• Evidence Analysis: Wreckage imagery suggests India lost at least one Mirage 2000H, one MiG-29UPG or Su-30MKI, and one Rafale, all within Indian territory, likely due to Pakistan’s PL-15E missiles launched from J-10CE or JF-17 aircraft.

Data Table: Reported Indian Aircraft Losses

Source	Claimed Losses	Aircraft Types Claimed	Evidence Provided
Pakistan	5 jets	3 Rafale, 1 Su-30, 1 MiG-29	No verifiable imagery
U.S. Sources	2-3 jets	1 Rafale confirmed, possible MiG-29/Su-30	Debris imagery
India	Losses not specified	No specific types confirmed	Denies Rafale loss near Bahawalpur

Conclusion: Pakistani claims of five downed jets lack independent verification and appear exaggerated. U.S. sources and debris evidence suggest India lost 2-3 aircraft, with one confirmed Rafale. India’s reticence and fact-checking efforts indicate minimal but acknowledged losses.