In a series of intense military engagements between India and Pakistan during the night of May 6–7, 2025, multiple Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft were reportedly shot down across several locations, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors. Security sources have disclosed details of the incidents, which have dealt a substantial blow to the IAF’s operational capabilities and raised questions about its strategic preparedness.
The clashes follow a deadly attack on April 22, 2025, in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, where 26 people, mostly tourists, were killed. India attributed the attack to militant groups allegedly operating from Pakistan, a claim Islamabad has vehemently denied, demanding an international investigation. The incident triggered a rapid deterioration in bilateral relations, culminating in India’s closure of the Wagah border crossing and suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, actions Pakistan condemned as provocative.
Reported Locations of Downed IAF Aircraft
According to security sources, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) executed a series of successful interceptions during India’s military operation, codenamed “Operation Sindoor,” which targeted alleged militant infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The following locations were identified as crash sites for IAF aircraft:
- Anantnag, Jammu and Kashmir: An IAF jet reportedly crashed in the Gadool Kokernag area. The ejection seat was recovered, indicating the pilot may have attempted to eject, though their status remains unclear.
- Pampore/Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir: Another aircraft went down in this region, with both pilots sustaining serious injuries. They were evacuated to a hospital in Srinagar for treatment.
- Ramban, Jammu and Kashmir: A third jet crashed in the Pantiyal/Ramsu area. The pilot, identified as Flying Officer Iqbal Singh, was injured and transferred to the Army Hospital in Udhampur.
- Akhnoor, Jammu and Kashmir: An aircraft crashed in the agricultural fields of Bharda Kalan, Akhnoor Tehsil. Both pilots ejected but were injured and received treatment at the Akhnoor Military Hospital.
- Bathinda, Punjab: A fifth IAF jet reportedly crashed in Bathinda city, further compounding the IAF’s losses in India’s Punjab province.
- Near Jammu City: In a separate incident, an Indian Heron remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) was shot down approximately 13 nautical miles east of Jammu city.
Defense analysts have described these incidents as a significant setback for the IAF, highlighting the PAF’s effective use of beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat tactics. The downed aircraft reportedly included advanced platforms, such as Rafale fighters, alongside Su-30 and MiG-29 jets, and a reconnaissance drone.
Pakistan’s Retaliatory Operation
Pakistan’s military response, dubbed “Operation Bunyaan-un-Marsoos,” was launched on the night of May 9–10, targeting 26 Indian military sites, including brigade and battalion headquarters along the Line of Control (LoC). The operation was framed as a direct retaliation for India’s earlier strikes, which Pakistan condemned as an “act of war.” Pakistani officials reported no losses on their side, claiming a decisive victory in the aerial engagements.
The Pakistani military’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) reported significant civilian and military casualties resulting from India’s actions, with at least 51 people, including 40 civilians, killed in strikes on Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistani territory. These losses have further inflamed tensions, with both sides accusing each other of targeting civilian areas.
Diplomatic Efforts and Ongoing Skirmishes
Following intense diplomatic intervention, reportedly led by the United States, both nations agreed to a temporary halt in military activities across land, air, and sea. However, sporadic clashes along the LoC were reported shortly after the truce, indicating the fragility of the ceasefire.
Indian military officials have remained tight-lipped about the reported losses, with Air Marshal A.K. Bharti acknowledging that combat operations inherently carry risks but emphasizing the success of India’s objectives in targeting militant infrastructure. Pakistan, meanwhile, has publicly celebrated its military achievements, with officials and defense analysts praising the PAF’s operational superiority.
A Precarious Path Forward
The downing of multiple IAF aircraft represents one of the most significant military setbacks for India since the 1971 Indo-Pakistani War. The incidents have not only exposed vulnerabilities in India’s air defense strategy but also underscored the high stakes of the ongoing rivalry with Pakistan. As both nations navigate the aftermath of these clashes, the international community remains on edge, urging restraint to prevent further escalation in a region already fraught with tension.