SOURCE: AFI
The Chakra Dialogues Foundation (CDF), a think tank established by former Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot Wing Commander Satyam Kushwaha (Retd), has released a comprehensive report detailing the strategic and operational losses incurred by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) during India’s Operation Sindoor in April-May 2025.
Leveraging real-time intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance (ISR) data, cross-verified media reports, and classified budgetary tenders, the report provides a high-confidence estimate of the damages sustained by the PAF, pegging the total financial impact at $3.35732 billion USD.
Founded by Satyam Kushwaha, a decorated IAF veteran known for his strategic acumen, the Chakra Dialogues Foundation has emerged as a credible voice in defense analysis and military strategy. Kushwaha, who served with distinction during his tenure in the IAF, established CDF to foster independent, data-driven assessments of military operations and geopolitical developments in South Asia.
Operation Sindoor, executed by the Indian Armed Forces, was a targeted campaign aimed at neutralizing key PAF assets in response to heightened tensions along the Indo-Pak border. The CDF report meticulously documents the operation’s impact, focusing on confirmed aerial and ground asset destruction, operational expenditures, infrastructure degradation, and the quality of defense equipment and personnel proficiency.
Section A: Direct Combat Losses in the Air
The report’s first section highlights the PAF’s losses in aerial engagements, verified through electronic intelligence, satellite imagery, and ISR data streams. The documented losses include:
- F-16 Block 52D Fighter Jets: 4 units lost, at $87.38 million per unit, totaling $349.52 million (Source: F-16.net)
- Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C: 1 unit lost, at $93 million, totaling $93 million (Source: Quwa.org).
- IL-78 Refueling Tanker: 1 unit lost, at $35 million, totaling $35 million (Source: OvertDefence).
- CM-400AKG Missiles: 2 units lost, at $1.6 million each, totaling $3.2 million (Source: TheAsiaLive).
- Shaheen-Class Missiles: 2 units lost, at $4 million each, totaling $8 million (Source: Missile Threat – CSIS).
- Bayraktar TB2 UCAVs: 6 units lost, at $6 million each, totaling $36 million (Source: France24).
- Report also says that PAF lost Four jets in air to air kills .
The subtotal for air losses amounts to $524.72 million USD, representing a significant blow to the PAF’s aerial capabilities.
The Chakra Dialogues Foundation’s report goes beyond mere numbers, evaluating the broader implications of these losses. The destruction of high-value assets like the F-16 jets and the Saab 2000 Erieye AEW&C system not only hampers the PAF’s operational readiness but also underscores vulnerabilities in its defense strategy. The loss of the IL-78 refueling tanker further limits the PAF’s ability to sustain long-range missions, while the destruction of advanced missiles and UCAVs highlights the effectiveness of India’s counter-strategies.
Satyam Kushwaha, in a statement accompanying the report, emphasized the importance of such analyses in shaping future defense policies. “Operation Sindoor demonstrates the evolving nature of aerial warfare and the critical need for robust intelligence and strategic planning. At CDF, we aim to provide actionable insights that can guide policymakers and military leaders in ensuring national security,” he said.
While the report focuses on direct combat losses in the air, it also hints at forthcoming sections that will cover ground asset destruction, infrastructure damage, and personnel losses—contributing to the staggering $3.35732 billion USD total. The Chakra Dialogues Foundation plans to release these sections in the coming weeks, offering a holistic view of the PAF’s setbacks during Operation Sindoor.
As geopolitical tensions in the region persist, the work of organizations like CDF, under the leadership of Satyam Kushwaha, remains crucial in fostering informed dialogue and strategic preparedness. This report not only underscores India’s military prowess but also serves as a testament to the power of independent, evidence-based analysis in understanding modern conflicts.
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