Claim: Several social media posts and news articles claim that India lost six fighter jets during its military clash with Pakistan in May 2025, following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
Fact Check India Rating: False
The Claim
After the recent military conflict between India and Pakistan, numerous viral social media posts and foreign media reports claimed that six Indian fighter jets were shot down by Pakistan. Some posts cited unnamed defense officials and claimed confirmation from Indian military leadership.
What Triggered the Conflict?
The tensions began after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, where 26 tourists were killed. India blamed the Pakistan-backed group The Resistance Front (TRF) for the attack and responded with air and missile strikes on May 7, targeting what it called “terror infrastructure” in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
What Did India Officially Say?
On the sidelines of the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, India’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan acknowledged that India suffered losses in the air during the conflict.
“Losses are a part of combat,” — General Anil Chauhan told media on June 2.
However, Chauhan did not specify any number of jets lost. He explicitly denied Pakistani claims that six Indian aircraft had been shot down.
Earlier, Air Marshal A.K. Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, also stated:
“There were operational setbacks, but wild numbers being thrown around are part of the fog of war and disinformation campaigns.”
What Did Pakistan Claim?
However, Pakistan has not provided visual or radar evidence to support these claims. The Indian Embassy in Beijing called the viral reports of six jets being downed “disinformation.”
Is There Any Independent Verification?
No independent or satellite-verified evidence has confirmed the downing of six Indian aircraft.
- No credible third-party agency (such as satellite imaging firms or neutral observers) has released verifiable images of wreckage.
- No Indian pilot has been reported missing or captured.
- India has not filed any such loss report with international agencies like the UN or ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization).
Analysis by Experts
Defense analysts suggest that both sides have reasons to shape the narrative.
“Both India and Pakistan are engaging in strategic messaging. The truth may lie in between, but six aircraft is a high figure that requires strong proof,” says defense expert Ajai Shukla.
Further, Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) notes that wartime claims, particularly involving air combat, are often exaggerated for domestic and international political reasons.
Verdict
While India’s top military leadership has confirmed aerial losses, there is no official or verifiable confirmation that six Indian fighter jets were downed. The claim is exaggerated and not backed by evidence.
Claim: India lost six jets in the May 2025 conflict with Pakistan.
Rating: False