New Delhi: In a major revelation, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has admitted that an Indian fighter jet was destroyed in a Pakistani strike—the first official acknowledgment from India on the issue.
During an interview with Bloomberg TV in Singapore, where he was attending the Shangri-La Dialogue, General Chauhan was asked about the recent India-Pakistan conflict and whether any Indian jets were shot down. Although he avoided a direct “yes” or “no,” he said, “We are not concerned with the aircraft being destroyed. What’s important is why it happened.”
When pressed further, Chauhan briefly said “Yes,” confirming that at least one aircraft was indeed lost. However, he dismissed Pakistan’s claim that six Indian fighter jets, including a Rafale, were destroyed. “Absolutely not,” he stated firmly.
Finally Admitted! Indian Warplane Destroyed in Pakistani Strike, Confirms CDS Anil Chauhan
General Chauhan added, “The positive part is that we quickly recognized our tactical errors and corrected them. Within two days, we relaunched our aircraft and successfully struck distant targets.”
Following a terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting several terror camps inside Pakistan. Pakistan retaliated with airstrikes, and intense fighting continued for four days. On May 10, both sides agreed to a ceasefire, reportedly brokered by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trump claimed on social media that his mediation helped avoid a nuclear conflict between India and Pakistan. When asked about this, Chauhan refrained from directly commenting on Trump’s statement but rejected the idea of a nuclear confrontation. “Personally, I believe there is a big difference between conventional military operations and nuclear warfare,” he said. “Dialogue with Pakistan was always an open option.”
Until now, India had never officially confirmed any damage to its fighter jets despite repeated claims by Pakistani officials, including its Prime Minister and military. The Director General of Air Operations (DGAO) had earlier said, “Losses are part of war, but what matters is whether we achieved our objectives. The answer is yes.” He had also confirmed that all Indian pilots returned safely.
Now, with this first public admission by India, experts believe it may impact future military strategies and India’s official narrative of the conflict.
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