‘Losses Are Part of Combat’, IAF Says But Declines to Share Details of What Platforms India Lost

New Delhi: Asked about how many assets the armed forces lost during India’s military confrontation with Pakistan over the last week in light of Islamabad’s claim to have downed Indian fighter jets, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti said that “we are in a combat situation and losses are a part of combat”, but declined to divulge any details.

Amid Islamabad's claim, there has also been speculation and reportage in the international media, which cited intelligence sources, that one or more Indian Rafale fighters may have been downed.

“The question that you must ask us – and indeed, that we must ask ourselves, you inclusive – is ‘have we achieved our objective … of decimating their terrorist camps’,” the airman said during a press conference by the defence ministry on Sunday (May 11).

He continued: “The answer is a thumping yes. And the results are for the whole world to see.”

As for what platforms India lost and in what number, he said he would not like to comment “because we are still in a combat situation and if I comment on anything, it will only be to the advantage of the adversary.”

“All I can say is that we have achieved our objectives we selected, and all our pilots are back home,” Air Marshal Bharti said.

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