PAKISTAN CLAIMS TO HAVE SHOT DOWN 5 INDIAN FIGHTER JETS USING CHINESE J-10C AIRCRAFT IN NEW BORDER AIR CLASH
Pakistan claims to have shot down 5 Indian fighter jets using Chinese J-10C aircraft in new border air clash (X @GovtofPakistan)
The government of Pakistan stated it used J-10C fighter jets, manufactured in China, to shoot down five Indian Air Force aircraft during a brief military skirmish on Wednesday.
Among the downed planes were reportedly three French Rafale jets, according to Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar. If confirmed, this would mark the first real air-to-air kill by the J-10C and the first combat loss of Rafale jets. So far, India has not commented on the allegations.
Debris from Chinese PL-15E missiles was found on Indian territory, suggesting the attacks may have been carried out by J-10C or JF-17C Block 3 fighters, the only regional aircraft compatible with such weapons. The PL-15E is the export version of a Chinese long-range missile capable of reaching speeds of up to Mach 5, though with reduced range for international markets.
The Pakistan Air Force is the only operator of the J-10C outside China, having received 20 units so far. The model participated in its first real combat mission in January 2024 during an operation in Iran, although without direct involvement in aerial combat.
Following the incident with India, Chinese officials reportedly met with the Pakistani government to discuss the operation’s details and expressed support for their ally.
Source: South China Morning Post | Photo: X @GovtofPakistan | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team