ISLAMABAD, August 14, 2025 — In a significant development, U.S. defense officials have categorically stated that no Pakistani F-16 aircraft were hit during the intense aerial confrontations between India and Pakistan in May 2025. This revelation directly contradicts India’s claims of downing multiple Pakistani military aircraft, including F-16s, during the conflict.
India’s Air Force Chief, A.P. Singh, had previously asserted that Indian forces shot down six Pakistani military aircraft, including five fighter jets and one larger military plane, allegedly using Russia’s S-400 surface-to-air missile system. He further claimed that additional damage was inflicted on Pakistani airpower, including strikes on parked F-16s and another surveillance aircraft.
However, U.S. officials, who monitor the end-use of American military equipment, have confirmed that all Pakistani F-16s remained intact and operational. This information undermines India’s narrative and raises questions about the veracity of its claims.()
Pakistan has consistently denied India’s allegations, asserting that it shot down six Indian aircraft, including a French-made Rafale. France’s air chief has acknowledged evidence of three Indian fighter losses, lending credibility to Pakistan’s account.
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The U.S. Department of Defense has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the end-use monitoring of F-16s but has not disputed the information provided by its officials regarding the status of Pakistan’s aircraft.
This discrepancy highlights the ongoing challenges in verifying military claims during conflicts and underscores the importance of independent assessments to ascertain the truth.