Ahead of the Indian Air Force’s 93rd anniversary, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh unveiled the stunning success of Operation Sindoor, a precision strike campaign in May that obliterated five advanced Pakistani fighter jets, including US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Singh spotlighted the operation’s strategic brilliance, with the Russian-supplied S-400 Triumf air defense system emerging as an invincible force, redefining aerial warfare.
Launched on May 7 in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which claimed 26 lives, Operation Sindoor targeted 11 Pakistani airbases, including Sargodha (now Mushaf), Jacobabad, Bholari, and Shahbaz. Leveraging satellite reconnaissance, long-range weapons, and robust air defenses, the IAF executed “achook” (unerring), “abhedya” (impenetrable), and “sateek” (accurate) strikes, crippling Pakistan’s air capabilities.
Devastating Ground Strikes
Singh revealed that 4-5 F-16s were destroyed on the ground at the Jacobabad airbase, where they were undergoing maintenance. “One half of the F-16 hangar at Shahbaz-Jacobabad is gone, with aircraft inside likely damaged,” he said. The strikes also demolished:
Radars at four locations
Two command and control centers
Two runways
Three hangars, potentially housing C-130 aircraft
These precision hits disrupted Pakistan’s operational tempo, targeting terror-linked infrastructure, drone hubs, and aircraft deployment sites, showcasing India’s advanced electronic warfare and decoy tactics.
S-400: The Invincible Game-Changer
The S-400 Triumf system stole the spotlight, achieving the “largest ever recorded surface-to-air kill” at over 300 km. “This invincible system neutralized five Pakistani fighters, including F-16s and JF-17s, and a surveillance aircraft, possibly a Saab 2000 AEW&C,” Singh declared.
Deployed near the border despite risks from Pakistani artillery, the S-400’s long-range missiles prevented Pakistan from operating effectively within its own airspace, enabling deep IAF strikes. Its unparalleled reach and accuracy have cemented its reputation as an invincible shield in modern warfare.
Singh dismissed Pakistani claims of downing 15 Indian jets as “manohar kahaniyan” (fascinating tales), challenging them to provide evidence. “No Indian aircraft were lost, and all pilots returned safely,” he asserted, crediting meticulous joint planning with the Army and Navy.
Strategic Triumph and Future Vision
Terminated on May 10 after achieving its objectives, Operation Sindoor avoided escalation while delivering a global lesson in precision warfare. “This war was started and ended with clear intent,” Singh noted, praising the media’s role in countering disinformation. The operation avenged the Pahalgam attack and redefined regional power dynamics.
Looking to ‘Roadmap 2047,’ Singh emphasized self-reliance with projects like the LCA Mk1A, LCA Mk2, Indian Multi-Role Helicopter, and the indigenous ‘Sudarshan Chakra’ air defense system. He acknowledged the China-Pakistan axis, stating, “They prepare, we prepare,” while highlighting the IAF’s readiness for evolving warfare.
International analyst Tom Cooper called the S-400’s 300 km strike a “world record,” surpassing Ukraine-Russia engagements, and confirmed evidence of multiple Pakistani aircraft losses. “The S-400 has proven invincible,” he noted.
Air Force Day Celebrations
On October 8 at Hindon Air Base, a Mi-17 “Dhwaj Flypast” bearing the Operation Sindoor flag will honor the mission. Displays of Rafale, Su-30 MKI, Akash SAMs, and 18 indigenous innovations will underscore India’s futuristic capabilities.
Operation Sindoor, with the invincible S-400 at its core, has not only avenged tragedy but showcased India’s air power as a decisive force. As Singh put it, “Air power, backed by the S-400’s unmatched prowess, has proven unstoppable.”
