August 10, 2025

Get ready for a jaw-dropping tale from the skies! The Indian Air Force (IAF) has pulled off what could be the largest surface-to-air kill ever recorded. During Operation Sindoor, the IAF launched a powerful long-range strike from about 300 kilometres away. What did they bring down? A top-secret, high-value plane which the IAF says was either an ELINT or an AEW&C aircraft. These are not just any planes—they are the eyes and command tops of the enemy's air operations. Air Chief Marshal AP Singh revealed, “We have at least five fighters confirmed kills and one large aircraft, which could be either an ELINT aircraft or an AEW&C aircraft… taken on at a distance of about 300 kilometres.” Imagine the precision and reach needed to hit such a target so far away! But the mission didn’t stop there. The strike rocked the Pakistan Air Force’s crucial bases too. At the Shahbaz Jacobabad airfield, Singh explained, “Half an F-16 hangar was destroyed, damaging aircraft inside.” Not just that—two command and control centres alongside six radar systems were also destroyed. This dealt a serious blow to Pakistan’s aerial defence. Now, what makes those aircraft so special? What’s an ELINT plane anyway? ELINT stands for Electronic Intelligence. These planes sniff out enemy radar signals, communications, and air defence networks. They send important info back to planners to avoid being spotted and help launch smart attacks. On the other hand, AEW&C means Airborne Early Warning and Control. These planes are like flying castles packed with radars that can spot many targets—whether in the air, on the sea, or on land—way before anyone else. They guide and control other fighter jets during big battles, making sure no enemy move goes unnoticed. So when the IAF took down either an ELINT or an AEW&C plane, it was a massive strategic win. Air Chief Marshal Singh’s words hint at more than just a battlefield victory—it’s a huge hit to Pakistan’s ability to watch the skies and control their air defence. Operation Sindoor’s strike was a masterstroke, shaking the enemy’s aerial command to its core!

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Tags: Iaf, Operation sindoor, Elint aircraft, Aew&c, Pakistan air force, Surface-to-air kill,