India Acknowledges Rafale Pilot Deaths as Military Honours Reveal Hidden Casualties
Honourees include Rafale fighter jet pilots, S-400 system operators, and personnel from key airbases. Families of the deceased were reportedly pressured not to share photos or tributes online, prompting widespread criticism following long-standing official denials of military losses.
After repeatedly dismissing reports of casualties, the Indian military has now indirectly confirmed the deaths of several service members by posthumously awarding military honours, according to security sources. This revelation has lifted the veil on previously concealed losses suffered during Operation Sindoor.
Security sources indicate that the Indian armed forces faced significant setbacks during the operation, particularly along the Line of Control (LoC), where more than 250 personnel were reportedly killed.
Despite the heavy toll, Indian authorities withheld public acknowledgment until the recent announcement of military honours made it impossible to conceal the losses further.
Among those honoured posthumously are four Indian Air Force pilots — three of whom flew Rafale jets — and five S-400 air defence system operators killed at Adampur Airbase. Additionally, nine personnel from Udhampur Airbase, including members of its air defence unit, are being recognised.
Other awardees include two soldiers from the Rajouri aviation base and four from the Uri supply depot, among them the officer-in-charge.
Sources claim that families were asked to refrain from sharing tributes or images on social media, as officials sought to keep the scale of losses from becoming public knowledge.
This development has led to mounting criticism. Observers are questioning how honours can be awarded for sacrifices that, according to earlier official statements, never occurred.
Pakistan launched Operation Bunyan-um-Marsoos in response to multiple unprovoked Indian missile strikes, targeting various Indian military sites. The Pakistan military reportedly shot down six Indian Air Force jets, including three Rafale aircraft, along with dozens of drones.
The 87-hour conflict concluded on May 10 with a ceasefire brokered by the United States.
According to Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), 53 individuals — including 13 military personnel and 40 civilians — were martyred in Indian strikes during the confrontation.
