NEW DELHI — July 25, 2025: In a candid admission that has sent shockwaves through India’s defense circles, retired Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Harjeet Singh has acknowledged that India lost multiple jets to Pakistan in recent aerial skirmishes — and that even the much-touted Rafale fighters could not provide the strategic edge India had hoped for.
Speaking during a panel discussion on national security and airpower modernization, Singh said, “We overestimated the Rafales’ ability to dominate the skies, especially in combat situations with a well-prepared adversary like Pakistan. Despite having next-generation fighters, we lost aircraft — something that should not have happened.”
Singh did not specify the exact number of jets lost but pointed to serious gaps in India’s aerial doctrine, coordination, and situational awareness during recent operations. He criticized the overreliance on hardware over training and tactical depth, saying, “We bought advanced technology, but didn’t adapt our strategy. The enemy did.”
These remarks come in the aftermath of the post-Palghram conflict, where Pakistan reportedly downed several Indian aircraft using a combination of electronic warfare and advanced missile systems. While Indian officials have downplayed the losses, independent defense analysts and satellite imagery have suggested otherwise.
Read Top Stories
Singh’s comments have reignited debate over the Rafale acquisition deal — long mired in controversy over cost, corruption allegations, and strategic efficacy. While the Rafales were projected as a game-changer for the IAF, Singh’s admission indicates that superior aircraft alone are not enough to ensure dominance in a modern aerial battlefield.
As calls grow for an internal review of India’s aerial combat performance, Singh’s frank assessment is being seen as a wake-up call for policymakers and military leadership alike.