During a recent press briefing on Operation Sindoor, Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal A.K. Bharti refrained from confirming reports of Rafale jet losses by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF).
India's Director General Military Operations (DGMO) Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, when questioned about the downing of Rafale aircraft, stated, "Losses are a part of combat," but declined to provide specifics, citing operational security concerns.
He claimed that all Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots involved had returned safely.
Pakistan told international media that evidence showed it had shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafales, during the operation.
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The Indian Air Force and Indian Army have officially acknowledged that Rafale jets were shot down by Pakistan. While the exact number remains uncertain, their statement suggests that the losses are significantly higher than previously speculated.
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While India has not officially acknowledged these losses, many international media outlets quoting sources suggested Rafale jets have been downed, marking a potential first combat loss for the aircraft.
The Indian military claimed that Operation Sindoor ‘achieved’ its objectives. However, the lack of transparency regarding aircraft losses has raised questions about the operation's cost and effectiveness.
DGMO Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai stated that the Indian military achieved "total surprise" in the operation and described Pakistan’s response as “erratic and rattled.”
When asked about Indian Air Force (IAF) losses, officials were vague. “Losses are a part of combat,” said Lt. Gen. Ghai, but declined to share further details, adding, “We are in a state of conflict and cannot disclose specifics.” He confirmed, however, that all IAF pilots had returned safely.
The press conference saw repeated questions from journalists regarding reports from Indian Air Force Air Marshal AK Bharti that Pakistan had downed five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale aircraft, considered among the IAF’s most advanced assets.
Senior military officers, including the DGMO Lt. Gen. Ghai and Indian Air Force Air Marshal AK Bharti dodged the question twice, offering no confirmation or denial. “I cannot offer a comment on the Rafale losses,” Ghai said, avoiding a direct response.
The silence has further fueled speculation, especially as the Rafale aircraft were showcased as a key strategic edge in the Indian Air Force arsenal.
Pakistan’s military maintains it successfully shot down five Indian jets during retaliatory action, though India has so far not officially addressed these claims.
According to the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), the strikes killed more than 100 fighters, including several senior commanders — though these claims could not be independently verified.
