Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has strongly refuted Pakistan’s claim of downing six Indian fighter jets during recent hostilities, calling the assertion “absolutely incorrect.” He confirmed that some aircraft were lost during the clashes, but emphasized that the Indian military is focusing on learning and evolving from the experience.

In an exclusive interview with Bloomberg TV while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Gen Chauhan said,

“I think what is important is not the jet being downed but why they were being downed.”

This marks the first official confirmation from the Indian military regarding the loss of aircraft during the four-day conflict with Pakistan earlier this month. Though he did not specify the number of aircraft lost, Gen Chauhan stated that the Indian forces were quick to analyze and correct their tactical shortcomings.

“The good part is that we were able to understand the tactical mistakes which we made; remedied, rectified and then implemented it again after two days. We flew all our jets again targeting at long range,” he said.

When asked directly about Pakistan’s claims of shooting down six Indian aircraft during Operation Sindoor, he firmly rejected the statement, replying,

“Absolutely incorrect.”

Earlier this month, Indian Air Force’s Director General of Air Operations, Air Marshal AK Bharti, also addressed the losses during a media briefing held on May 11.

“Losses are a part of combat,” said Air Marshal Bharti, while reassuring the nation that, “all IAF pilots returned home safely.”