Khawaja Asif Rejects IAF Chief’s Claims of Downing Pakistani Jets as “False and Dangerous”

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Saturday strongly rebutted recent claims by Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Air Marshal AP Singh, who alleged that India shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and a surveillance aircraft during clashes in May under “Operation Sindoor.”

Terming the claims as “implausible” and “ill-timed,” Asif said the Indian air chief’s remarks reflect a “comical narrative” meant for “domestic political expediency” and warned that such disinformation could lead to dangerous strategic miscalculations in a nuclear region like South Asia.

Speaking on social media platform X, Asif stated, “It is ironic that senior Indian military officers are now being used as the face of a monumental failure caused by the strategic shortsightedness of Indian politicians.” He noted that India had waited three months to make these assertions, whereas Pakistan had immediately briefed the international media with technical evidence and independent verification following the May 7–10 clashes.

Dismissing the Indian claims, Asif asserted, “Not a single Pakistani aircraft was hit or destroyed.” On the contrary, he said, Pakistan’s air force had shot down six Indian jets, including a French-made Rafale, neutralised S-400 defence systems, and disabled multiple Indian airbases. He added that the Indian military suffered disproportionately heavier losses along the Line of Control.

He challenged India to open its aircraft inventory for independent verification if it truly stood by its claims — a move he believes would expose the “reality India seeks to obscure.”

Asif also referenced international reports and foreign intelligence assessments acknowledging the loss of multiple Indian aircraft during the operation. He pointed to silence from India’s side for months, arguing that if their claims had any substance, they would have been presented long ago.

Warning against political manipulation of military affairs, Asif said, “Wars are not won by falsehoods, but by moral authority, national resolve, and professional competence.”

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Reiterating Pakistan’s defensive doctrine, he emphasized, “Every violation of Pakistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity will invite a swift, surefire, and proportionate response,” referencing the country’s successful retaliation during Operation Bunyanum Marsoos.

He concluded by holding Indian political leadership responsible for any future escalation, warning that their “strategic blindness” and political gambling could undermine regional peace.