NATIONAL: India’s Precision Counterstrike: CDS Chauhan Debunks Pakistan’s Jet Kill Claims
Strategic Setback Quickly Corrected
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has acknowledged that the Indian Air Force encountered certain operational challenges during the recent hostilities with Pakistan. However, he emphasized that these setbacks were immediately addressed, and India responded swiftly and effectively. “What matters is not the downing of a fighter jet, but understanding the reason behind it,” he remarked.
Participating in the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan, in an interview with an international media outlet, clarified that the Indian forces identified strategic lapses and corrected them within 48 hours, deploying fighter jets aligned with long-term national defense goals.
Pakistan’s Claims Refuted
Rejecting Pakistan’s claims of shooting down six Indian aircraft, General Chauhan termed the allegations baseless and part of a disinformation campaign. “There is no truth in Pakistan’s narrative. The real issue is how a nation responds to adversities. Our response was robust, swift, and effective,” he noted.
He reiterated that India’s retaliation was guided by precision and national interest, and the focus was on minimizing civilian harm during the operations.
Indigenous Power in Modern Warfare
Highlighting India’s growing self-reliance in defense, General Chauhan revealed that Operation Sindoor was executed using indigenous technologies, including the Akash air defense systems and domestic satellite intelligence capabilities. He contrasted this with Pakistan’s reliance on external intelligence, likely sourced from Chinese or allied satellites.
“We are building a modern defense infrastructure powered by Indian startups, MSMEs, and major industries. This is our greatest strength,” the CDS said, underscoring the importance of automation and technological vigilance in future warfare.
Civilian Safety Remained Priority
General Chauhan emphasized that during Operation Sindoor, India maintained strict control to prevent any civilian casualties. “In war, losses are inevitable. But the key is how we respond. In three days, we neutralized the threat without any harm to civilians,” he stated.
He also clarified that India does not endorse prolonged conflicts, as they adversely impact the country’s development trajectory. “We aim for strategic dominance, not long-term entanglements,” he concluded.
Defense Officials in Agreement
Earlier, Director General of the Indian Air Force, Air Marshal AK Bharti, had echoed similar sentiments during a press briefing on Operation Sindoor. He reiterated that all Indian Air Force pilots returned safely and that strategic operations often come with operational risks.