India's Operation Sindoor deals blow to Pakistan's air force, US provides covert support

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A media report claims that the United States has secretly extended a helping hand to the Pakistan Air Force, which was devastated by the Indian Army's "Operation Sindoor." However, there has been no official confirmation from either party regarding this sensational claim.

According to the report, the action was taken in response to a terrorist attack in Pahalgam, in which the Indian Army targeted terrorist hideouts located in Pakistani territory.

Citing a CNN-News18 report, it has been claimed that the Pakistani Air Force suffered heavy military losses during this operation. According to the report, one Saab Erie 2000 AWACS (Airborne Early Warning and Control System) aircraft, one Lockheed C-130 transport aircraft, and at least four F-16 fighter jets were damaged in the attack. Additionally, several radar systems and air defense units were reportedly destroyed.

The report said the worst damage was caused to the Pakistan Air Force's Bholari airbase, where an F-16 aircraft parked in a hangar was also hit.

The report, citing Pakistani defense sources, claims that a team of US Air Force engineers immediately arrived in Pakistan to repair the damaged Erie aircraft at Bholari Air Base. Pakistan approved a significant sum of $400 to $470 million from secret emergency funds for this repair and upgrade. The report also states that the US reportedly prevented China from participating in the repair work.

According to the report, then-Pakistani Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir appealed to US President Donald Trump for assistance, following which the US sent teams of experts to Pakistan from its airbases in Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Maryland. Currently, it is being said that most of the damage has been repaired.