India’s military has finally responded to Pakistan’s claim of shooting down five Indian fighter jets, including Rafales, during recent clashes. The statement came after both countries agreed to a ceasefire on Saturday, May 10.
On Sunday (May 11), India’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO), Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, held a press conference in Delhi. It was the first official media briefing by the Indian military after the temporary halt in fighting between the two nations.
According to Pakistan, on the night of May 7, Indian forces launched missile attacks at multiple sites in Pakistan. In response, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) carried out counterattacks. They claimed to have destroyed five Indian fighter jets, one drone, and a brigade headquarters.
Among the jets Pakistan said it hit were three French-made Rafales—India’s most advanced fighter planes. While India denied the claim at the time, the debate resurfaced after the ceasefire took effect.
When asked about the Rafale losses during the press conference, Air Marshal A.K. Bharati did not give a clear answer. He said, “I’m glad you asked that. We are in an active combat situation, and loss is a part of war.”
He stressed that the real question should be whether India achieved its goals. “Our main aim was to destroy terrorist camps. That goal has been fully met. Evidence of this is visible to the global community.”
Bharati also added that sharing details about aircraft losses or which platforms were used could give the enemy an advantage. “Now is not the time to reveal such numbers. Doing so could help the other side prepare better.”
Still, he assured the media that all Indian pilots who took part in the recent operations have returned safely. “That alone shows our success,” he said.
Pakistan’s claims remain unproven. They have not yet shared photos or videos showing the downed Rafales. India has not confirmed or denied any losses either.
However, BBC Verify reported that it had checked a video showing debris from a Rafale jet being removed from a farm in Bathinda, Punjab. The video has been confirmed as real.
This has led to more questions about whether at least one Rafale was truly lost in the fighting. But without clear proof from either side, the facts remain unclear.
Both India and Pakistan have signaled they want to avoid more fighting, at least for now. But the truth about what really happened during the airstrikes remains cloudy.
Military experts say both nations are likely trying to control public messaging. “In war, information is a weapon,” said one analyst. “Neither side wants to show weakness.”
For now, the Indian Air Force is standing by its statement that all pilots are safe and its goals were met.
Whether more proof comes out in the coming days is something the world will be watching.