Pakistan, August 10 – Defense Minister Khawaja Asif firmly dismissed statements made by the head of the Indian Air Force alleging that India had downed six Pakistani fighter planes during a clash in May, labeling these reports as “unbelievable” and “inopportune.”
Asif stated in a release, the late claims by the head of the Indian Air Force about supposed damage to Pakistani planes during Operation Sindoor are both unlikely and poorly timed.
The defense official’s statement was accompanied by comments from India’s Air Force commander, who stated on Saturday that India had destroyed five Pakistani fighter planes and an additional military plane during skirmishes in May, marking the nation’s initial public assertion of this nature following its most severe armed confrontation with its neighbor in recent years.
During a gathering held in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, Indian Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh stated that the majority of Pakistani planes were shot down by India’s Russian-built S-400 air defense system. He referenced electronic monitoring information as proof of the attacks.
“At least five combatants have been confirmed dead, along with one major aircraft,” he stated, noting that the large aircraft, possibly a reconnaissance plane, was brought down from a distance of 300 kilometers (186 miles).
Singh did not specify the kind of combat aircraft that were shot down, but mentioned that aerial attacks also targeted another reconnaissance plane and “several F-16s” that were located in hangars at two airfields within Pakistan. Pakistan-specific travel guide
Unlike the remarks made by the Indian air chief, during a confrontation with India in May, the Pakistani Air Force reportedly downed six Indian military planes, among them three Rafale fighters, as an act of vengeance for India’s missile strike. The following day, a high-ranking French intelligence representative also told CNN that one Indian Air Force Rafale fighter was brought down by Pakistan, which may represent the initial documented battlefield loss of the French-built aircraft.
The defense chief remarked, “It’s ironic that high-ranking Indian military officials are being portrayed as symbols of major failures resulting from the short-sighted strategies of Indian political leaders.”
Asif mentioned that for three months following the conflict, no similar allegations were raised. He stated that Pakistan provided “comprehensive technical presentations” to the global press right after the event, with independent witnesses confirming the destruction of several Indian planes, including Rafale fighters.
This recognition, he stated, originated from “global leaders, top Indian officials, and foreign intelligence evaluations.”
The minister stated, “Not one Pakistani plane was damaged or destroyed by India,” adding that Pakistan had taken down six Indian fighter jets, S-400 missile systems, and drones, as well as disrupted multiple Indian airfields. He claimed that casualties among Indian troops near the Line of Control were significantly higher.
“If authenticity is at stake, let both parties disclose their aviation fleets for impartial inspection—although we believe this could reveal the actual situation that India aims to conceal,” Asif stated.
He cautioned that “conflicts are not achieved through lies but through ethical leadership, national determination, and skilled execution,” noting that “humorous stories designed for local political gain heighten the serious dangers of mistaken strategy in a world with nuclear weapons.”
Warning New Delhi not to breach Pakistan’s sovereignty, Asif stated, “As shown during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos, any infringement upon Pakistan’s sovereignty and territory will lead to immediate, certain, and appropriate retaliation, with all blame for subsequent tensions lying solely with those myopic leaders who risk South Asia’s stability for short-term political benefits.”
The Indian government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been strongly criticized by opposing political groups for not showing sufficient determination to address issues during the May conflicts and for failing to stop the Pahalgam incident.
The dispute in May began with New Delhi accusing Islamabad of involvement in a fatal incident in Pahalgam, an area under occupation in Kashmir. These claims lacked proof and were firmly denied by Pakistan. Following intense fighting on May 7 and reciprocal attacks on military bases, U.S. mediation led to a truce between the two parties on May 10.