Indian general’s admission validates Pakistan’s air superiority in May conflict
PESHAWAR (APP): The recent admission by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, regarding the loss of Indian Air Force (IAF) fighter jets during last month’s conflict with Pakistan has been termed by Pakistani defense experts as a clear validation of Islamabad’s claims and a demonstration of Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) superiority in aerial combat.
Former Secretary for Law and Order of the erstwhile FATA, Brigadier (Retd) Mehmood Shah told APP on Monday that the acknowledgment by General Chauhan affirmed Pakistan’s earlier assertions of downing six IAF aircraft during Operation Iron Wall.
Brigadier Mehmood Shah said, “The acknowledgment of IAF losses by India’s top military leadership confirmed the credibility of Pakistan’s claims and nullified the propaganda of Indian media.”
While lauding Pakistan’s successes in land, sea and aerial front, he said that PAF had established clear air superiority against IAF during the dogfights, which occurred in the aftermath of an unprovoked aggression by the fascist Modi-led government on Pakistani territory, including Azad Jammu and Kashmir on May 7 last.
“The PAF’s decisive action, including the downing of Rafale jets, significantly weakened IAF’s operational capability and fighting skills of Indian Pilots at global stage,” he said, adding that India’s dependence on imported technology and warplanes was further exposed internationally besides raised questions on Indian pilots’ professional competence especially during dogfights.
Brigadier Mehmood Shah pointed out that India’s loss of three Rafale jets from its 36-unit fleet purchased from France has raised serious questions about the IAF’s operational readiness, morale of Indian pilots and their grasp of high-performance aircraft. “The recent conflict has also cast doubt over India’s plan to procure 26 more Rafales for its Navy, especially in the wake of these great setbacks,” he remarked.
“Rafale was not a bad fighter jet, rather it showed the weakness of the Indian pilot to handle this high performance aircraft during dogfight after being shot down by PAF,” he said, adding it also signified the poor training of IAF pilots.
Dr. Muhammad Ejaz Khan, former Chairman of the International Relations Department at the University of Peshawar, emphasized the broader geopolitical implications of General Chauhan’s admission. “This statement is tantamount to conceding that India lost the recent battle both militarily and diplomatically,” he said.
He added that the Indian government’s strategic miscalculations are being criticized domestically, leading to a noticeable decline in Prime Minister Modi’s political standing even within his home constituency of Gujarat.
Dr. Ejaz highlighted the long-term deterrence maintained by Pakistan’s nuclear capabilities and strategic alliances and Pakistan-China strategic cooperation. “Pakistan’s nuclear shield, combined with its expanding missile arsenal and air superiority, has compelled India to opt for a quick ceasefire,” he noted.
According to Dr. Ejaz, China’s unwavering political, economic, and military support for Pakistan played a pivotal role in deterring further escalation. “From the deployment of the J-10C fighter jets to the anticipated arrival of J-35A stealth aircraft, China’s assistance has significantly enhanced Pakistan’s defense capabilities,” he said.
He also praised Pakistan’s civil and military leadership for their diplomatic outreach to friendly countries including China, Iran and Turkey following the conflict. “Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Muhammad Ishaq Dar have effectively presented Pakistan’s stance to the international community, exposing India’s malicious propaganda in the aftermath of the Pahalgam incident,” he said.
Both analysts stressed that the path to lasting peace in South Asia lies through the resolution of the Kashmir issue on which three wars were already fought.
“The recent clashes underscored that any future conflict between the two nuclear-armed neighbors could escalate beyond Kashmir and threaten regional stability and peace,” warned Brigadier Shah.
They urged the United Nations Security Council to take meaningful steps to implement its resolutions on Kashmir, drawing parallels with successful interventions in regions like East Timor.
“World powers must prioritize long-term peace and stability over economic interests and hold the Modi government accountable for denying the Kashmiri people their right to self-determination,” said Dr. Ejaz.
They said India was known for staging false flag operations to malign Pakistan and its recent Pehalgam false flag operation has badly exposed the negative policies of the Hinduvata regime.
