Prof. Cheng Xizhong of China’s Charhar Institute has dismissed Indian Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh’s claim that the Indian Air Force shot down five Pakistani jets and a large aircraft during Operation Sindoor, calling the statement baseless and lacking credible evidence.
Speaking to PTV World, Prof. Cheng said India has failed to provide proof such as wreckage photos, radar records, or other verifiable data, while Pakistan promptly issued detailed technical reports after the incident. He described Singh’s remarks as “comical, implausible, and unconvincing,” adding that the international community widely questioned the claim.
According to Cheng, Pakistan did not lose any fighter jets; instead, its forces successfully downed six Indian aircraft, including Rafales, and neutralised S-400 air defence systems—facts corroborated by foreign intelligence and even some Indian political figures. He highlighted that three months have passed since the conflict, yet India has not substantiated its claims.
Singh, speaking in Bengaluru, had said the IAF downed “at least five fighters” and one larger aircraft, possibly a surveillance plane, using S-400 missiles. He cited electronic tracking data but did not provide specifics or evidence.
In response, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif labelled Singh’s statements “implausible” and politically motivated, urging transparency through an independent audit of both nations’ aircraft inventories—arguing it would expose the truth India seeks to conceal.
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