Following a week of high-stakes aerial conflict with Pakistan, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has admitted to suffering losses in combat, possibly including Rafale fighter jets, though specific details remain undisclosed.
At a press conference on Operation Sindoor, senior Indian defence officials avoided confirming the number or type of aircraft lost. Air Marshal AK Bharti acknowledged that “in a combat situation, there will be losses,” while stressing the importance of focusing on operational objectives rather than specific damages.
READ MORE: Chengdu Aircraft Shares Surge After Rafale Jet Downed by Pakistan
When asked about the extent of losses during the confrontation with the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), Bharti refused to provide figures, citing national security concerns. The Defence Ministry also declined to comment further, though the phrase “losses are part of combat” is widely viewed as indirect confirmation of significant setbacks for the IAF.