[Epoch Times, October 4, 2025] (Epoch Times reporter Li Yan comprehensive report) Indian Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh said on Friday (October 3) that during the conflict with neighboring Pakistan in May, India shot down five Pakistani F-16 and JF-17 (Thunder) class fighter jets.

Although Singh had previously stated that at least five Pakistani fighter jets were shot down in the conflict, this is the first time New Delhi has publicly mentioned the specific class of these jets.

Singh told reporters at the Indian Air Force’s annual press conference that India shot down about a dozen Pakistani aircraft.

"Regarding air defense, we have evidence of a long-range strike... In addition, there were five high-tech fighter jets of the F-16 and JF-17 class, which our systems confirm," Singh said. He added that the aircraft were shot down approximately 300 kilometers (186 miles) from the border, but he did not provide any evidence at the press conference.

The F-16 is an American-made fighter jet, while the JF-17 is made in China.

Reuters requested comment from the Pakistani military but has not yet received an immediate response.

The two sides have conflicting accounts of the losses suffered in the conflict. Pakistan claims it shot down six Indian fighter jets, including French-made Rafale fighters. Indian Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan acknowledged in May that India had suffered aircraft losses in the conflict, but denied losing six fighter jets.

On Friday, Singh declined to answer questions about Pakistan's claim to have shot down an Indian fighter jet.

The fighting in May was the most serious clash between the two long-time rivals in decades, sparked by an attack on Hindu tourists in Indian-controlled Kashmir, which India claimed was supported by Pakistan.

The conflict lasted four days, during which both sides used fighter jets, missiles, artillery, and drones, resulting in dozens of deaths, before a ceasefire agreement was reached.

Pakistan has denied involvement in the attack in Kashmir, which killed 26 people and is the deadliest attack on civilians in India since the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

India said in July that three “terrorists” involved in the attack had been killed and that there was “substantial evidence” that they were Pakistani.

Pakistan's Foreign Ministry questioned the credibility of India's account of the incident, calling it "fabricated."

Since the attack, relations between the two countries have deteriorated. Having fought two wars over the Kashmir issue in the Himalayas, the strained relationship has now impacted various sectors, including trade, travel, and even sports.

India has also suspended a key water-sharing treaty, a move Pakistan has called an “act of war.”

Editor in charge: Lin Yan #