NEW DELHI/SINGAPORE, June 1, 2025 – In a candid revelation that has ignited political debate back home, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Saturday, May 31, 2025, confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) suffered aircraft losses during the recent four-day “Operation Sindoor” with Pakistan. Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the prestigious Shangri-La Dialogue security summit in Singapore, General Chauhan, however, vehemently rejected Pakistan’s dramatic claims of shooting down six Indian jets, including four advanced Rafale aircraft.
“Losses are a part of combat,” General Chauhan stated, acknowledging the reality of military engagements during the key Asian defense forum. He emphasized that the critical takeaway from the operation, which took place from May 21st to May 24th, 2025, was not merely the loss of hardware, but the swift identification and rectification of “tactical mistakes” by the IAF.
“We learned from some initial tactical errors, we remedied them within 48 hours, and then we were able to resume long-range targeting deep inside Pakistani territory,” the CDS elaborated, offering the first direct official confirmation from India regarding any aircraft losses during the intense cross-border aerial exchanges. Previously, while Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, had alluded to “losses” post-operation, specific details had remained elusive, with the IAF maintaining that all pilots returned safely. General Chauhan highlighted the IAF’s ability to achieve “pinpoint accuracy” in penetrating Pakistani air defences up to 300 km, targeting critical airfields and infrastructure. He also cast doubt on the efficacy of Chinese-origin air defence systems deployed by Pakistan and their Turkish-origin drones during the operation.
The CDS’s unvarnished admission has immediately resonated in the Indian political landscape. Opposition parties, particularly the Indian National Congress, seized upon the statement, demanding greater transparency from the Narendra Modi-led government. “For months, the government denied any losses, especially concerning the Rafales. Now, the CDS confirms it. The nation deserves a full disclosure of how many aircraft were lost and a comprehensive review of our defence preparedness,” stated Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in New Delhi. Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) downplayed the criticism, with a senior party leader, requesting anonymity, stating, “The CDS’s remarks show our military’s honesty and readiness to learn. Unlike some who politicize national security, we prioritize operational effectiveness.”
Addressing another recent assertion, General Chauhan also dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim of having personally prevented a nuclear war between India and Pakistan during the recent tensions. “That’s quite far-fetched,” the CDS remarked, adding that there is “significant space” between conventional military operations and the nuclear threshold. He affirmed that crucial communication channels with Pakistan remained open throughout the period to manage any escalation.
The CDS’s frank assessment from the high-profile Singapore dialogue provides a rare glimpse into the operational realities and strategic thinking following the recent military engagement. It underscores a clear focus on continuous learning and adaptation within the Indian armed forces, even as it fuels a renewed domestic debate on defence transparency and accountability.
