IAF Confirms Aircraft Losses in Recent Conflict with Pakistan In a significant development, India's Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Anil Chauhan, has confirmed that the Indian Air Force (IAF) suffered aircraft losses during the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan in May 2025. This marks the first official acknowledgment of such losses, following weeks of speculation and claims from Pakistani authorities. The hostilities were triggered by a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22, which resulted in 26 fatalities. India attributed the attack to Pakistan-based militant groups, prompting the launch of "Operation Sindoor" on May 7. During this operation, the IAF conducted airstrikes targeting alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Reuters +1 विकिपीडिया +1 The Indian Express +8 विकिपीडिया +8 विकिपीडिया +8 Reuters +3 The Times of India +3 The Times of India +3 General Chauhan stated that while the IAF did incur losses in the initial phase of the conflict, specific details regarding the number and type of aircraft lost were not disclosed. He emphasized the importance of analyzing the reasons behind these losses to inform future military strategies. Hindustan Times In response to the initial setbacks, the IAF swiftly adapted its tactics. Subsequent operations on May 7, 8, and 10 involved deeper penetration into Pakistani territory, targeting airbases and military installations with precision strikes. These actions were carried out with careful consideration to avoid escalating the conflict to a nuclear threshold.

 According to IAF, there have been aircraft casualties during the recent fight with Pakistan.

India’s recent conflict with Pakistan in May 2025 resulted in the loss of some Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft, as General Anil Chauhan, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has acknowledged. It is the first time the United States has officially recognized such losses, after Pakistani officials had made several claims and speculations.

The clashes started after a terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22 which claimed the lives of 26 people. India claimed that the attack was carried out by Pakistan-linked militants which led to "Operation Sindoor" starting on May 7. One of the actions taken during Operation Parakram was the launch of IAF attacks by air on alleged terrorist facilities in both Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

General Chauhan said the IAF did lose a few aircraft at the start of the conflict, but they didn’t reveal any facts about the number or type of planes lost. It was stressed that understanding the losses would help direct future plans.

After the initial difficulties, the IAF came up with updated approaches. On May 7, May 8 and May 10, attacks were also launched deeper into Pakistan, attacking airbases and different military installations with pinpoint precision. Special attention was given in these actions to make sure they did not threaten a nuclear confrontation.

Pakistan announced it destroyed six Indian aircraft which included three Rafale jets. But Chauhan disagreed and explained that he believes these claims are "absolutely incorrect," only providing general comments.

On May 10, after negotiations and international support for de-escalation, the situation came to a ceasefire. Both the United States and China have focused on not letting open communication disappear, to help prevent further escalation.

This recent conflict reminds us that India and Pakistan have constantly shifting relations and being prepared is necessary.