Pakistani Jets
US defence expert Dr. C. Christine Fair has firmly dismissed India’s recent assertions about having downed Pakistani aircraft, calling the claims “nonsense” and lacking any credible evidence. Fair, a renowned political scientist and security analyst with expertise in South Asian affairs, made these remarks during an interview with Indian journalist Karan Thapar on The Wire’s programme, The Interview with Karan Thapar.
What makes her comments particularly noteworthy is her longstanding and vocal criticism of Pakistan, especially in the realm of security and counterterrorism. As a result, her rejection of Indian military claims has sparked considerable attention across social media, with many noting that if someone like Fair—often critical of Pakistan—does not support India’s assertions, it casts serious doubt on their credibility.
During the interview, Thapar presented Indian Air Force Director General of Air Operations Air Marshal P.K. Bharti’s statement, which suggested that India had successfully shot down an unspecified number of Pakistani jets during the recent military escalation.
Bharti also referenced what were described as “satellite images” showing extensive damage to several Pakistani airbases, including those located in Chaklala, Rahim Yar Khan, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari.
Dr. Fair, however, categorically rejected these claims. She emphasized that there was “no evidence” supporting the notion of massive destruction of Pakistan’s air infrastructure. “I am astonished by the claim that 20% of Pakistan’s air force has been rendered unusable. I’ve never heard that before. It’s quite an astonishing claim and most certainly false,” she stated.
When Thapar directly asked whether she believed the Indian claim about downing Pakistani planes, Fair responded bluntly in Hindi, saying: “Bakwas”—a colloquial term meaning “nonsense” or “rubbish.” She further reiterated that there was no independently verifiable evidence to support India’s version of events.
Dr. Fair’s sharp dismissal adds to a growing list of international voices questioning the accuracy of India’s military narrative in the ongoing tensions with Pakistan. Her remarks have also reignited discussions about the role of propaganda in conflict and the importance of independent verification in an age of information warfare.
