India’s Air Chief Amar Preet Singh asserts that the nation’s S-400 air defense systems were key in downing a majority of Pakistani aircraft during recent conflicts.
In a significant escalation of hostilities, India successfully brought down five Pakistani fighter jets and one additional military aircraft during confrontations in May. This marked the first official acknowledgment of such incidents since the intense skirmishes with Pakistan, according to statements made by India’s Air Force Chief.
During a lecture in Bengaluru on Saturday, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh remarked that the advanced S-400 systems played a critical role in thwarting most aerial incursions by Pakistan. “We have confirmed the takedown of five fighter jets and one large reconnaissance aircraft,” Singh revealed, noting that the larger aircraft was intercepted approximately 300 km (186 miles) away.
Singh characterized this achievement as an unprecedented success in surface-to-air engagements, highlighting the efficiency of India’s air defense capabilities. He did not specify the types of fighter jets lost but mentioned that Indian air strikes also targeted additional surveillance aircraft as well as several F-16 fighters stationed in hangars across two airbases in southeastern Pakistan, resulting in considerable destruction.
Pakistani officials, whose air force largely utilizes Chinese-manufactured aircraft along with U.S. F-16s, have historically denied such losses, especially during the intense clashes that occurred from May 7 to 10. In contrast, Islamabad claimed they successfully downed multiple Indian aircraft, including at least three Rafale jets, a statement dismissed by Indian military representatives as “absolutely incorrect.”
The conflict ignited following a tragic attack that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in the Pahalgam region of Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. Both countries contend control over the region in full, yet administer only portions of the predominantly Muslim territory, which remains a longstanding point of friction.
Since the cessation of hostilities in May, tensions have persisted, with sporadic skirmishes reported between Indian forces and militants. Recent reports confirmed the casualties of two Indian soldiers along with a suspected fighter in the Kulgam district.