Pakistan’s Air Force has reportedly shot down multiple Indian fighter jets, including three French-made Rafales, using Chinese J-10C aircraft. The claim, made by Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar, has raised serious questions about China’s growing influence in South Asian military conflicts.
The aerial battle unfolded along the India-Pakistan border, where tensions have been escalating for weeks. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that Pakistani and Indian jets engaged in an hour-long dogfight, marking one of the most intense air skirmishes between the two nations in recent years.
Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese-built J-10C fighters has become a focal point in the conflict. The J-10C, equipped with advanced radar systems and PL-15 air-to-air missiles, has been touted as a cost-effective alternative to Western fighter jets. If confirmed, this would be the first recorded air-to-air kill for the J-10C in live combat, a significant milestone for China’s defense industry.
The financial markets reacted swiftly. Shares of Chinese defense manufacturers surged, with Avic Chengdu Aircraft Co., the J-10C’s producer, seeing its stock rise to a two-week high. Investors are betting that China’s military exports will expand further, especially as Pakistan continues to modernize its fleet with Chinese-built platforms.
India has yet to officially acknowledge the losses, but images circulating online appear to show wreckage from an Indian Rafale, including a damaged Snecma M88 engine and remnants of a MICA air-to-air missile. French intelligence sources have reportedly confirmed the downing of at least one Rafale, though details remain scarce.
The broader implications of this conflict extend beyond India and Pakistan. China’s growing role in supplying advanced military hardware to Pakistan signals a shift in regional power dynamics. If the J-10C proves effective against Western-designed aircraft, Beijing could strengthen its position as a global arms supplier, challenging the dominance of U.S. and European defense firms.
Sources:
https://theaviationist.com/2025/05/07/indian-rafale-shot-down-photos/