India Claims Shooting Down Six Pakistani Military Aircraft in May Clashes

Pakistan denies losses, counterclaims six Indian aircraft destroyed

India’s Air Force chief has claimed that the country shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one military aircraft during clashes in May — New Delhi’s first official confirmation following the most intense confrontation with Islamabad in decades.

Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh said on Saturday that most of the kills were achieved using Russian-made S-400 air defense systems, with electronic tracking data confirming the hits. Speaking in Bengaluru, he described the larger aircraft, believed to be a reconnaissance plane, as having been struck from 300 kilometers away.

Singh called it “the largest recorded shootdown by a surface-to-air missile system in history,” drawing applause from officers, veterans, and government and industry officials present at the event.

Pakistan’s military has not yet responded to the latest claims. Islamabad’s air force mainly flies Chinese-made fighters and U.S.-supplied F-16s. It has previously denied any losses during the clashes from May 7–10, counterclaiming that it destroyed six Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale.

India has acknowledged some losses but rejected the claim that six of its aircraft were downed. Earlier, French Air Force chief Gen. Jérôme Bellanger said there was evidence of three Indian jets destroyed — including one Rafale — but the Indian Air Force has not commented on those remarks.

Military analysts say the conflicting accounts reflect the deep mistrust and propaganda battles that have long shaped India-Pakistan relations, especially in times of armed confrontation. Without independent verification, observers warn, the competing narratives will remain contested, fueling tensions between the two nuclear-armed rivals.

Support Dawat Media Center

If there were ever a time to join us, it is now. Every contribution, however big or small, powers our journalism and sustains our future. Support the Dawat Media Center from as little as $/€10 – it only takes a minute. If you can, please consider supporting us with a regular amount each month. Thank you
DNB Bank AC # 0530 2294668
Account for international payments: NO15 0530 2294 668
Vipps: #557320

  Donate Here