India Learns From Mistakes, Refines Tactics After Aircraft Losses in Operation Sindoor: CDS General Anil Chauhan

Ravi Singh

In a candid acknowledgment of recent military challenges, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan has confirmed that India did suffer aircraft losses during the recent four-day conflict with Pakistan, referred to as Operation Sindoor. Speaking to Bloomberg TV while attending the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, General Chauhan emphasized that the focus should not solely be on the number of jets lost but rather on understanding why they were lost.

He stressed the Indian military’s commitment to learning from its tactical mistakes, saying, “What is important is not the jet being downed but why they were being downed.” This reflection, he noted, allowed India to swiftly reassess its operational approach and re-engage with greater precision and confidence.

“We were able to understand the tactical mistakes which we made; remedied, rectified, and then implemented changes. Within two days, we flew all our jets again—this time with long-range targeting,” General Anil Chauhan added, underlining the Indian Air Force’s ability to bounce back quickly with improved strategic capabilities.

When asked about Islamabad’s claims that six Indian jets were downed during the operation, the CDS firmly dismissed it as “absolutely incorrect.” His denial aligns with earlier remarks by Air Marshal AK Bharti, Director General of Air Operations, who stated during a May 11 media briefing that “losses are a part of combat,” but reassured that all Indian Air Force pilots returned safely.

The acknowledgment of aircraft losses marks a rare moment of transparency from India’s top military leadership, offering insight into the operational dynamics of recent hostilities. It also reinforces India’s evolving military doctrine, which places high value on adaptive learning and strategic recalibration in real-time conflict scenarios.

As India continues to strengthen its defence posture in a volatile geopolitical environment, the message from General Chauhan is clear: setbacks are inevitable, but the ability to analyze, adapt, and retaliate with precision defines a modern, resilient military force.