FACT CHECK | Did India lose 6 jets and a Heron UAV during Operation Sindoor? Here's the truth

A viral video showing Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh acknowledging that India lost multiple jets during Operation Sindoor is doing rounds on social media. However, the Press Information Bureau has debunked these claims, clarifying that the video was digitally manipulated using artificial intelligence.

This comes after Singh on Saturday confirmed that India shot down at least five Pakistani fighter jets and an Airborne Warning & Control System (AWACS) plane during Operation Sindoor in May. He also revealed that the Pakistan Air Force lost two stationary aircraft in the Indian offensive.

Following this announcement, an X channel spreading misinformation and Pakistani propaganda uploaded an AI-generated deepfake video, falsely showing the Air Chief Marshal admitting that India lost six jets and one Heron UAV during the May 7 air engagements.

The fact-check team of the PIB has clarified that the A.P. Singh has made no such comment.

On Saturday, Singh said the S-400 air defence systems were crucial in downing the Pakistani aerial targets. "The range of that system has really kept their aircraft away... even those long-range glide bombs that they have, they have not been able to use any one of those because they have not been able to penetrate the system," he added.

Singh also revealed that the IAF struck two command and control centres in Murid and Chaklala as well as at least six big and small radars. "Also, there is an indication of at least one hangar for surveillance planes and few F-16s," he said.

After losing crucial air assets, the Pakistani DGMO dialled his Indian counterpart, calling for a "pause" in fighting, following which a ceasefire was agreed upon both sides.