“Manohar kahaniyan”: IAF Chief AP Singh mocks Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian jets during Op Sindoor

Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh brushed off Pakistan’s claims of downing Indian fighter jets during Operation Sindoor, calling them “Manohar Kahaniyan”—fanciful stories straight out of a fairy tale. Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi on the 93rd Air Force Day, Singh made it clear there’s zero evidence backing up those boasts from Pakistan.

Pakistan keeps repeating that it shot down several Indian jets right after India launched Operation Sindoor. That military action came as a direct response to a deadly terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which killed 26 tourists. But Singh pointed out that India has plenty of proof, like images showing damage to Pakistani targets, while Pakistan hasn’t shared a single photo of any hits on Indian airbases or hangars.

“Why bother debunking it?” Singh said with a chuckle. “If they believe they took down 15 of our jets, let them. Next time they fight, they’ll have to plan for 15 fewer planes in our fleet. We’re not spilling details on what happened or the damage we caused—let them figure it out.” He added that these stories are just a way for Pakistan to save face and keep their public in the dark.

Shifting gears to the future of India’s air power, Singh shared exciting updates on the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), India’s homegrown stealth fighter. The first flight is on track for around 2028, with full induction into the Indian Air Force by 2035. “This timeline is totally doable, maybe even faster if everyone pushes hard,” he said. The team has a clear roadmap on the tech needed and where to get it.

When it comes to picking new fighter jets, Singh emphasized a tough, fair process in the defense ministry. Options like Russia’s Su-57 and France’s Rafale are on the table, but the winners will be those that best fit India’s needs, especially with technology transfer and freedom to manufacture in India. Rafale stands out as a top contender, thanks to its strong performance in the earlier Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal. “We’ve already done our homework on Rafale—it’s easy to integrate,” Singh noted. “Whichever maker steps up with ‘Make in India’ proposals and shares the tech will get our nod.”

On reports of terrorist groups building new headquarters deep in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa region, Singh was straightforward. India now has the precision tools to strike those hideouts accurately, as long as solid intelligence comes through. “We’re hearing they’re switching to smaller setups instead of big bases, but that won’t stop us,” he said. “If we get the intel, we can go deep and take them out—our capabilities haven’t changed.”

Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.