India reports downing five Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 jets.

With fresh allegations regarding the May 2025 air battle with Pakistan, India’s Air Chief Marshal AP Singh has sparked controversy once again. He claims that the Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed five Pakistani aircraft, including F-16s and JF-17s.

His comments, which were made 150 days after the battle, have drawn criticism for avoiding discussing India’s own defeats.

At the Indian Air Force’s annual day press conference, Singh informed reporters, “As far as the air defense part is concerned, we have evidence of one long range strike…along with that five fighters, high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class, our system tells us.”

The JF-17 is a Chinese fighter jet, whereas the F-16 is a US-made aircraft.

Singh claimed that Pakistan’s fighter jets were downed during the confrontation but offered no proof. Instead, he demanded that Pakistan “show pictures” if Indian aircraft were indeed shot down. However, he refused to disclose how many Indian planes were lost, replying, “I will not respond,” when questioned.

On Friday, Singh also declined to respond to questions on Pakistan’s claim of downing Indian jets.

This latest assertion comes despite global recognition of Indian losses. The wreckage of Rafale and MiG-29 aircraft was widely circulated during the conflict, and the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) claimed it had shot down seven Indian jets.

The PAF had publicly announced during the war that it successfully downed seven Indian aircraft, a claim echoed by several international voices. US President Donald Trump had repeatedly said that seven planes were shot down, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif raised the matter at the United Nations, calling it a decisive victory for the PAF’s “falcons.”

Pakistan’s trade deficit grows by $2.32bn in first quarter

Even India’s Chief of Defense Staff Anil Chauhan and opposition leaders such as Rahul Gandhi have raised questions over missing Rafale jets, with the Modi government remaining tight-lipped.

The wreckage of Indian fighter jets, including Rafales carried away on tractors, was seen worldwide, undermining India’s narrative. Pakistan, meanwhile, showcased evidence to back its claims, while India has continued to rely on denials and what critics describe as “empty slogans.”