Indian Military Details Operation Sindoor: 13 Pakistani Aircraft and 11 Airfields Neutralized
New Delhi, May 12, 2025 — Senior Indian military commanders, during a joint press briefing, revealed that the Indian Air Force successfully destroyed 13 Pakistani aircraft and targeted 11 airfields in Pakistan as part of Operation Sindoor. This military action was in response to the April 22, 2025, terrorist attack in Pahalgam, which resulted in the deaths of 26 civilians.
Air Marshal Awadhesh Kumar Bharti, who played a key role in devising and implementing the air strategy, detailed the operation's achievements. He stated, "We struck and decimated their nine terrorist camps on 7th May. The proof is there for everybody to see. We struck 11 of their airfields. We destroyed 13 of their aircraft either on the ground or in the air, including one high-value airborne asset at a record distance of 300 kilometres plus."
The briefing, which also included Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai and Vice Admiral AN Pramod, provided an in-depth overview of Operation Sindoor, a multi-domain military response.
Background: The Pahalgam Massacre
On April 22, 2025, terrorists targeted tourists near Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir’s Anantnag district. The attackers, linked to The Resistance Front (TRF), a group associated with the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, singled out victims based on religion before opening fire. The attack resulted in 26 deaths, predominantly among Hindu tourists, and injured around 20 others. The incident prompted a strong response from the Indian government.
Launch and Execution of Operation Sindoor
Operation Sindoor was launched on the night of May 7–8, 2025, focusing initially on high-value terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The targets included facilities associated with Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), such as the JeM headquarters in Bahawalpur and the LeT’s facility in Muridke, along with camps in areas like Kotli, Bhimber, and Muzaffarabad.
Air Marshal Bharti highlighted the precision and planning of the strikes, which aimed to dismantle terrorist infrastructure while avoiding civilian casualties. "Our fight was with the terrorists and their support infrastructure. And that is what we hit, ensuring no collateral damage," he remarked.
Subsequent to retaliatory actions by Pakistan, which included attempts to strike Indian positions, the operation extended to target Pakistani air defence and aviation facilities. Indian forces engaged and neutralized 11 Pakistani airfields, employing a mix of air-launched and surface-to-surface precision weapons, such as SCALP cruise missiles and BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
Aircraft Losses and Aerial Engagements
Air Marshal Bharti confirmed the destruction of 13 Pakistani aircraft, both on the ground and in the air. He noted the strike on a high-value airborne Pakistani asset over a distance exceeding 300 kilometres, which is believed to be an AWACS aircraft at the Bholari airbase.
The aerial operations saw extensive beyond-visual-range engagements, with Indian forces achieving temporary air superiority. All Indian pilots returned unharmed, and claims by Pakistan of downing several Indian aircraft were categorically denied, with Indian officials asserting that no significant damage was sustained by Indian assets.
Broader Military Assessment
Lt Gen Rajiv Ghai mentioned that Pakistani forces experienced over 100 casualties during ground encounters along the Line of Control following the initial airstrikes. He praised the effectiveness of India's indigenous defence capabilities, noting that over 65 per cent of the nation's defence equipment is now locally manufactured.
The operation featured coordinated efforts across the Army, Navy, and Air Force, backed by the Integrated Air Command and Control System (IACCS) and advanced systems like the S-400 Triumf.
Strategic Message and Cessation
Air Marshal Bharti emphasized the clear message India aimed to deliver through its actions: "We stepped back, but we didn’t blink. We had delivered the message, and the message was very clear — misadventure will not go unanswered, and acts of terror will carry consequences." The operation ceased once core objectives were achieved, including the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and imposing costs on Pakistan's military apparatus. Pakistan later sought an end to hostilities.
Implications and Legacy
Operation Sindoor stands out as one of India’s most decisive military responses to cross-border terrorism. It combined precise strikes, strong air defence, and inter-service coordination, maintaining a focus on calibrated escalation while minimizing civilian harm.
The disclosures made by Air Marshal Bharti and his colleagues provided insight into the operational successes of the Indian Armed Forces, highlighting India's shift towards holding state sponsors of terrorism accountable through decisive military actions.
As the nation commemorated the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor in May 2026, it remained a testament to India’s determination: preferring peace, but prepared to respond forcefully to aggression and terrorism.
