Heavy Aerial Losses Prompted Tactical Shift: General Chauhan
India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, has confirmed that India lost fighter jets in the recent conflict with Pakistan, which escalated after a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on April 22. This admission marks the first high-level acknowledgment of losses by India during the intense aerial confrontation.
According to General Chauhan, India suffered setbacks in the air on the first day of fighting, prompting a change in strategy. On May 7, India carried out large-scale retaliatory airstrikes targeting air bases deep inside Pakistan. These attacks were reportedly followed by more strikes on May 8 and 10.
Pakistan claims to have shot down six Indian aircraft, including three Rafale fighter jets, in the initial clashes. While India has not confirmed the exact number of jets lost, it has acknowledged suffering losses and adapting its military tactics in response.
Despite the severity of the conflict, both Indian and Pakistani military leadership have asserted that nuclear weapons were never considered, and the situation was handled with restraint on both sides.
