New Delhi, May 11, 2025 – Tensions between India and Pakistan continue to simmer following the intense military exchanges under Operation Sindoor, launched by India on May 7 in response to a deadly terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam. While the Indian Air Force (IAF) has maintained that its objectives were met with precision, recent statements have sparked speculation about potential losses, including claims by Pakistan that its air force shot down advanced Rafale fighter jets.
In a press briefing on Sunday, senior IAF officials, including Air Marshal AK Bharti, addressed the ongoing operation but stopped short of directly refuting Pakistan’s assertions. When pressed about reports of downed aircraft, Bharti stated, “Losses are part of any combat scenario,” adding that “all our pilots are back home safe.” This ambiguous response has fueled debate, with some interpreting it as an indirect acknowledgment of losses, though no specific mention of Rafale jets was made.
Pakistan’s military, meanwhile, has claimed that its Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, armed with advanced air-to-air missiles, downed multiple Indian aircraft, including Rafales, during retaliatory strikes. These claims remain unverified, with India’s Ministry of Defence and the Press Information Bureau (PIB) dismissing them as “false narratives” and debunking circulated images of wreckage as unrelated or outdated.
Operation Sindoor saw the IAF conduct precision strikes on nine terror-related targets in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, with Rafale jets reportedly deploying SCALP and HAMMER missiles. The operation, described as a response to the April 22 Pahalgam attack that killed 26 civilians, also involved BrahMos cruise missiles and targeted Pakistani military infrastructure, including airbases and radar units. Indian officials have hailed the operation as a success, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh noting that its impact was felt as far as Rawalpindi, home to Pakistan’s army headquarters.
However, Pakistan’s counteroffensive, involving drones, missiles, and fighter jets, has complicated the narrative. Reports of a massive aerial engagement on May 7, involving over 100 aircraft from both sides, have raised questions about the effectiveness of India’s air defenses. While the IAF claims it repelled Pakistani intrusions and downed “a few planes,” it has remained tight-lipped about its own losses, citing the ongoing nature of the conflict.
Social media platforms have been abuzz with unverified claims, including a debunked rumor that Squadron Leader Shivangi Singh, India’s first female Rafale pilot, was captured by Pakistan. The PIB swiftly clarified that no such incident occurred, urging the public to rely on official sources.
As a ceasefire, brokered by US President Donald Trump on May 10, struggles to hold amid reported violations, both nations remain on edge. Indian forces have accused Pakistan of breaching the agreement with drone incursions, while Pakistan insists it is committed to de-escalation. The Directors General of Military Operations from both sides are set to hold talks on May 12 to address the fragile truce.
For now, the IAF’s guarded statements have left room for speculation about the fate of its Rafale fleet, a cornerstone of India’s air modernization efforts. As the nation awaits further clarity, the focus remains on maintaining stability along the Line of Control and preventing further escalation between the nuclear-armed neighbors.
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