SOURCE: AFI
Airforce Monthly, a UK-based military aviation magazine often criticized for its pro-Pakistan Air Force (PAF) leanings, has stirred debate with its latest report on the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) operations during the recent conflict with Pakistan. The magazine claims that LCA Tejas Mk1 fighter jets played a significant role on the first night of strikes, which began on May 7, 2025, as part of Operation Sindoor. According to their sources within the PAF, nearly 20+ Tejas Mk1 jets—likely from the Final Operational Clearance (FoC) series, alongside some from the Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) series—were deployed by the IAF for Combat Air Patrol (CAP) missions.
The report suggests that while the Tejas Mk1 aircraft were not directly part of the strike package responsible for targeting terror sites inside Pakistan, they were integral to the broader air defense strategy. The CAP mission involved maintaining air superiority and protecting the strike aircraft, which included advanced platforms like Rafales and Su-30 MKIs, equipped with precision-guided munitions such as air-launched BrahMos missiles. Airforce Monthly’s narrative aligns with its historical tendency to highlight PAF perspectives, raising questions about the reliability of the figures and the context provided.
Skeptics argue that the deployment of over 20 Tejas Mk1 jets, many of which are from the earlier IOC series with limited combat endurance and avionics, might be an exaggeration or misrepresentation by PAF sources to downplay the effectiveness of India’s strike package. The Tejas Mk1, while a capable indigenous fighter, has faced scrutiny for its combat readiness, particularly in high-intensity scenarios against advanced PAF assets like F-16s and JF-17s. Independent analyses, including those from conflict observers, suggest the IAF relied heavily on its modernized fleet for the offensive, with the Tejas likely playing a supportive role.
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