Indian Air Force Claims Pilots Safe Amid Conflict with Pakistan

NEW DELHI, India — The Indian Air Force (IAF) reported Sunday that all its pilots have returned safely after engaging in an aerial confrontation with Pakistan last week, emphasizing that “losses are a part of combat.” This statement came during a press briefing when officials were questioned about possible losses incurred during the conflict.

A Pakistani military spokesperson claimed that the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down five Indian aircraft during the recent clashes, but Indian officials have not confirmed these assertions. Meanwhile, four government sources in Indian-administered Kashmir mentioned that three fighter jets crashed in the region shortly after India conducted airstrikes on nine sites in Pakistan it identified as terrorist infrastructure.

The recent surge in military activity between the two nations escalated into a significant conflict that saw missile and drone strikes over several days, resulting in at least 60 fatalities and prompting many residents to flee. This violence marks the worst tensions between India and Pakistan since their last open conflict in 1999.

Following intense military exchanges, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “full and immediate ceasefire” on Saturday, stating it resulted from a “long night of talks mediated by the United States.” This ceasefire attempt still holds as of Sunday, with both countries having accused each other of breaching the agreement throughout the week.

In a further statement regarding the conflict, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, the IAF’s Director General of Air Operations, refrained from disclosing specific details about aircraft losses. “We have achieved our objectives,” he asserted, adding that all pilots returned home safely. However, he acknowledged the existence of some losses but maintained that specifics would not be revealed at this time due to ongoing combat operations.

Reports indicate the significance of the conflict, with Professor Michael Clarke, a British security analyst, suggesting that Pakistan may have surprised India with its military capabilities, notably its advanced technology. In addition, a major air strike by the PAF effectively targeted India’s $1.5 billion S-400 air defense system during the clashes.