Congress demands a review committee after CDS Anil Chauhan confirms fighter jet losses, accusing the government of hiding critical defense shortcomings.
Hyderabad: The Congress party on May 31, 2025, sharply criticized the government following Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Anil Chauhan’s admission of fighter jet losses during Operation Sindoor, a military operation against Pakistan. Congress leader and Telangana Minister Uttam Kumar Reddy, a former Indian Air Force pilot, demanded transparency and a technical review committee to investigate the crashes.
CDS Admission Sparks Debate
During a recent statement, CDS Anil Chauhan acknowledged the loss of fighter jets in the four-day India-Pakistan conflict, a point Congress claims it had raised earlier but was branded “anti-national” for doing so. Reddy emphasized that the government must stop denying the losses and address the underlying issues, especially since Rahul Gandhi had faced backlash for raising similar concerns about the Rafale jets’ performance.
Air Force Capability Concerns
Reddy highlighted the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ongoing struggles, referencing Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari’s remark that “not a single project” has been completed on time. He noted that India currently operates only 31 fighter squadrons against a required 42, with each squadron needing 16-18 jets. This shortfall is critical as India faces threats from both China and Pakistan. A 2024 report by the Centre for Air Power Studies revealed that delays in indigenous projects like the Tejas Mk-1A have forced the IAF to rely on aging fleets, compromising operational readiness.
Manpower and Recruitment Gaps
The Congress leader pointed out a 10% manpower shortage across all three armed forces, exacerbated by slowed recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite post-COVID recovery efforts, the Agnipath scheme, introduced in 2022, has faced criticism for its short-term recruitment model, with a 2025 study by the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses indicating a 15% drop in enlistment interest among youth due to job security concerns.
Call for Transparency
Reddy stressed the need for government transparency, rejecting accusations of politicization. “The Gandhi family has sacrificed for this nation. We take pride in the IAF’s success in destroying Pakistan’s airbase, but our losses must also be acknowledged,” he said. He argued that admitting setbacks would not dent morale but rather strengthen future strategies. This comes after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy claimed India lost five fighter jets in the conflict, raising questions about the Rafale’s quality.
Broader Defense Challenges
The IAF’s modernization woes are compounded by delays in weapons procurement and infrastructure upgrades. A 2023 parliamentary report noted that only 55% of the IAF’s capital budget was utilized effectively, stunting growth in critical areas like missile defense systems. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s air force has bolstered its capabilities with Chinese J-10C jets, increasing pressure on India to bridge the gap.
Congress’s Demands and Political Context
Congress called for a detailed review of the IAF’s technical and operational challenges, urging the formation of an independent committee. The party’s stance aligns with growing concerns about India’s defense preparedness, especially after recent border tensions with China. However, political analysts suggest the government may deflect criticism by framing Congress’s remarks as an attack on national security ahead of key state elections.
Tags: #CongressReaction #CDSStatement #OperationSindoor #RafaleCrashes #IAFChallenges #IndiaPakistanConflict