NEW DELHI: Air Marshal AK Bharti confirmed on Sunday that every pilot involved in Operation Sindoor has returned safely. He also stated that the Indian Air Force successfully met all its objectives during the precision strikes inside Pakistan.
“We are in a combat scenario and losses are part of combat. However, we have achieved all our objectives, and all our pilots are back home,”
— Air Marshal AK Bharti at a press briefing
Operation Sindoor
‘We struck where it would hurt’: Air Marshal on Op Sindoor
The operation targeted key elements responsible for past terror acts. Among those eliminated were the IC-814 hijackers and masterminds of the Pulwama attack. Over 100 terrorists were reported killed.
Pakistan suffered heavy military losses, with 35 to 40 of its personnel reported dead, according to the armed forces’ briefing.
Air Marshal Bharti added that a few Pakistani aircraft were shot down, though he did not give a specific number due to ongoing assessments.
“Pakistani aircraft were prevented from entering Indian airspace, so we don’t have wreckage, but we are certain of the hits,” he said.
The strikes followed Pakistan’s large-scale drone attack on May 8–9, which targeted cities like Srinagar and Naliya. Bharti revealed that around 300–400 drones, including Turkish-origin Songar UAVs, were used in the assault across 36 locations. Thanks to India’s air defence systems, the attacks failed to damage critical infrastructure.
Swift Indian Response
India launched a coordinated and precise counterattack under Operation Sindoor, targeting Pakistan’s airbases, command centers, and military infrastructure.
“A decision was taken to strike where it would hurt,” Bharti said.
He confirmed strikes on Chaklala, Rafiq, Rahim Yar Khan, followed by Sargodha, Bhulari, and Jacobabad.
“We have the capability to target every system at these bases and more,” he asserted.
Bharti emphasized that the response was purely military, with efforts made to avoid civilian casualties. He criticized Pakistan for allowing civilian and international flights to take off from Lahore during its drone attack, which forced India to respond with extreme caution.
“Our job is to hit the target, not to count the body bags,” Bharti said, underlining India’s intent to deliver a strong message without unnecessary casualties.
Operation Sindoor was initiated after a terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 civilians. The border has since seen increasing hostilities, including missile and drone exchanges.
A temporary ceasefire was declared on May 10, following a hotline discussion between the DGMOs of both nations, reportedly brokered by US President Donald Trump. However, Pakistan violated the ceasefire within hours.
India responded by issuing a fresh warning and placing its forces on high alert.
In closing, Bharti stated:
“We are prepared. We have acted with restraint and precision. But any further provocation will be met with full force.”
