Pak Narrative Is Manohar Kahaniyan: India Reveals How Many F-16 Fighter Jets IAF Downed During Op Sindoor

After destroying multiple Pakistani jets during May’s Operation Sindoor, India has once again destroyed Islamabad, which indulges in “manohar kahaniyan”, but this time with words. While India has previously confirmed that our forces downed several F-16 fighter jets, it has reiterated claim.

In a powerful revelation, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Friday (October 3, 2025) announced that the IAF destroyed 8–10 Pakistani fighter jets during the May 2025 hostilities, including advanced US-made F-16s and Chinese JF-17s. Speaking at the 93rd Air Force Day celebrations, he dismissed Pakistan’s counterclaims as “manohar kahaniyan (fascinating tales)” with no basis in fact.

Notably, the IAF chief’s latest comments come just a few days after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif resorted to make false claims related to Operation Sindoor during his speech at the United Nations.

Operation Sindoor: What was India’s biggest air combat achievement?

For the first time, the IAF chief shared a clear breakdown of Pakistan’s losses during Operation Sindoor. India eliminated 4–5 F-16 and JF-17 class fighter jets and downed a surveillance aircraft in the air. “We have clear evidence of one long-range strike, more than 300 km, which happened to be either an AEW&C or a SIGINT aircraft, along with five high-tech fighters between F-16 and JF-17 class,” he said.

Singh proudly referred to the 300 km strike inside Pakistani territory as the “longest kill” ever achieved by the IAF, which was a defining moment of the year.

How did India dominate targets on the ground?

AP Singh revealed that another 4–5 F-16s were destroyed on the ground as India executed precision strikes on critical military infrastructure. The IAF hit radar systems, command and control centres, runways and hangars with pinpoint accuracy. The ground targets turned to rubble included radars at four locations, command and control centres at two sites, two runways, three hangars, one surface-to-air missile (SAM) system.

This devastating assault is believed to have taken place on May 10, when India targeted 11 military airbases deep inside Pakistan, compelling Islamabad to sue for a ceasefire.

How did India force Pakistan to the negotiating table?

According to the IAF chief, the post-strike assessments showed the attacks dealt Pakistan not just military damage, but a deep strategic and psychological setback. “We made Pakistan reach a stage where they had to ask for a ceasefire,” Singh stated.

The Air Chief’s disclosures came shortly after Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed at the UNGA that seven Indian aircraft were shot down. Pakistan has produced no evidence to back the statement. Responding with characteristic wit, Singh said, “If they think they downed our 15 jets, I hope they are convinced about it and they will cater for 15 less aircraft in my inventory when they come to fight again.”