China’s former defence attache labels IAF chief’s statement as “self-amusement”

BEIJING: Professor Cheng Xizhong, a Senior Research Fellow at the Charhar Institute and China’s former defence attaché in South Asia, has challenged recent statement by Indian Air Force (IAF) Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, labelling them as “self-amusement”.

Singh had said that the IAF shot down five Pakistani fighter jets and one large aircraft during Operation Sindoor – a military engagement between India and Pakistan that took place in early May.

Also read: Khawaja Asif rejects Indian air chief’s claim of downing six aircrafts

Professor Cheng said that the claim lacks supporting evidence and has been questioned by multiple international observers. He also said that India has not provided key verification materials, such as photographs of aircraft wreckage or radar tracking data.

Pakistan, in contrast, had earlier released a range of evidence claiming it had downed Indian fighter jets during the conflict. However, more than three months have passed since the events of Operation Sindoor, and India has yet to release any physical or technical proof to substantiate its account.

Pakistan had promptly presented a technical report to international media at the time of the incident, Proferssor Cheng said.

Also read: India painting itself as global leader, but has nothing to show: FM Asim Munir

The former defence attaché also referred to public statements by international leaders, Indian political figures, and foreign intelligence agencies, which he said align with Pakistan’s version of events. He added that multiple Indian aircraft were lost during the conflict and that Pakistani forces reportedly destroyed Indian defense positions, including S-400 systems.

No official comment has yet been issued by Indian defense authorities in response to Professor Cheng’s remarks.