Indian Air Force Commander Amar Preet Singh stated on Friday (October 3) that during the conflict with neighboring Pakistan in May, Indian forces shot down 5 Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 (Thunder) fighter jets.
Although Singh had previously mentioned downing at least 5 Pakistani fighter jets during the conflict, this is the first time New Delhi publicly mentioned the specific models of these jet aircraft.
During the Indian Air Force annual press conference, Singh informed reporters that India destroyed around a dozen Pakistani aircraft.
“In terms of air defense, we have evidence of a long-range strike taking place… In addition, there were 5 F-16 and JF-17 high-tech fighter jets, which our system confirmed,” Singh said. He added that these aircraft were shot down approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the border, but did not provide any evidence at the press conference.
The F-16 is an American-built fighter jet, while the JF-17 is manufactured by China.
Reuters requested a statement from the Pakistani military but has yet to receive a response.
Both sides have conflicting claims regarding the losses during the conflict. Pakistan claimed to have shot down 6 Indian fighter jets, including the French-made Rafale aircraft. Indian Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan admitted in May that India had aircraft losses during the conflict but denied losing 6 fighter jets.
On Friday, Singh refused to respond to questions about Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian fighter jets.
The May clashes marked the most serious conflict in decades between these long-standing archrivals. The trigger was an attack on Hindu tourists in the Indian-controlled Kashmir region, which India alleged had Pakistani support.
The conflict lasted for four days during which both sides utilized fighter jets, missiles, artillery, and drones, resulting in dozens of fatalities. Subsequently, both sides agreed to a ceasefire.
Pakistan denied involvement in the Kashmir attack. The incident resulted in 26 deaths, the deadliest civilian attack in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
In July, India announced that three “terrorists” involved in the attack were killed, with “substantial evidence” proving they were Pakistani.
The Pakistani Foreign Ministry questioned the credibility of India’s description of the events, calling it “fabrication.”
Since the attack, relations between the two countries have deteriorated. The two nations have fought two wars over the Kashmir issue in the Himalayan region, and now the strained relations have affected various sectors including trade, travel, and sports.
India also suspended a crucial water-sharing treaty, which Pakistan labeled as “an act of war.”