Pakistan Downs India's French Rafale Fighter Jets in History's Largest Aerial Battle

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) pilots flying Chinese-made J10C fighter jets shot down at least two Indian Air Force's French-made Rafale jets in history's largest ever aerial battle involving over 100 combat aircraft on both sides, according to multiple media reports. India had 72 warplanes on the attack and Pakistan responded with 42 of its own, according to Pakistani military. The Indian government has not yet acknowledged its losses but senior French and US intelligence officials have confirmed that at least one Indian Rafale jet was shot down by Pakistan on May 7, 2025. Reports of  more Rafale downings are being investigated by western intelligence officials. This marks the first time that the sophisticated French-made warplane has been lost in combat.

Rafale is the most advanced French 4.5 generation fighter plane. Indian Prime Minister Narendra spoke about India's need for Rafale back in 2019 after the last IAF-PAF dogfight and said: "We (Indians) acutely felt the absence of Rafale today.....if we had Rafale today the results would have been very different....desh ka bahut nuksaan hua hai"  Then Mr. Modi proceeded to spend $7.4 billion to purchase 26 Rafale fighter jets from France in the hope of achieving air superiority over Pakistan.  Each Rafale cost Indian taxpayers $288 million. 

Military aviation analysts conclude from the results of the air battle that the Chinese technology is as good, if not better than, the western technology. However, men count as much, if not more than, the machines.  The legendary US Air Force pilot Chuck Yeager called Pakistan Air Force pilots "the best in the world".  In another tweet in 2015, Yeager said "they (PAF pilots) kicked the Indians butt". 

In the 1980s, the Pakistan Air Force pilots went head-to-head with Russian combat pilots in Afghanistan. The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has the distinction of being the only air force that has engaged and shot down multiple Russian fighter pilots in combat since WWII.  The most prominent among those shot down by PAF was Colonel Alexander Rutskoy who ejected over Pakistani soil and was captured by Pakistan. After his release, Rutskoy was decorated as a hero of the Soviet Union and went onto become vice president of Russia under Boris Yeltsin, before leading an attempted coup in 1993, according to The National Interest publication. 

The aerial battle between Pakistani and Indian fighter jets, which Pakistani officials claim downed five Indian planes, was one of the “largest and longest in recent aviation history,” a senior Pakistani security source told CNN.  Over 100 combat planes battled for over an hour, with neither side leaving its own airspace, according to the CNN source who detailed that the missile exchanges were happening at distances sometimes greater than 160 kilometers (100 miles).  The entire air battle was conducted using BVR (beyond visual range) radars/sensors with stand-off weapons. 

Global militaries and defense analysts are now studying the India-Pakistan aerial battle on May 7, 2025, according to Reuters. Here's an excerpt of the Reuters' report: 

"Experts said the live use of advanced weapons would be analyzed across the world, including in China and the United States which are both preparing for a potential conflict over Taiwan or in the wider Indo-Pacific region. One U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters there was high confidence that Pakistan had used the Chinese-made J-10 aircraft to launch air-to-air missiles against Indian fighter jets". 

Here's Prime Minister Modi Speaking of India's Acute Need For Rafale in 2016:

https://youtu.be/QIt0EAAr3PU?si=KpcJW60jvD9r0xeQ

https://www.youtube.com/embed/QIt0EAAr3PU?si=KpcJW60jvD9r0xeQ"; title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>" height="315" src="https://img1.blogblog.com/img/video_object.png" width="560" style="cursor: move; background-color: #b2b2b2;" /> 

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[Riaz Haq]

Defense Intelligence
@DI313_
Indian🇮🇳 journalist Vishnu Som reports that Pakistan🇵🇰 fired two CM-400AKG hypersonic missiles from a JF-17 jet targeting Adampur Airbase, which holds key Indian air defense assets like the S-400 system. One missile reportedly missed, while the outcome of the second is unclear.Notably, Som added that certain sensitive details could not be publicly disclosed.

https://x.com/DI313_/status/1924476944550125844

[Riaz Haq]

Habibullah Khan
@Huk06
By Summer 2026 Pakistan will have 4 of the most advanced air warfare platforms in the world:

J-35A: The assassin of the skies. A 5th generation fighter jet with the most advanced stealth, data decision making, network integration, and intelligence capabilities in the world. It can detect and hunt anything within 1200+ km of it without anyone seeing it coming.

PL 17 AAM: The kill shot you never see. An active radar-guided beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. Powered by a dual pulse rocket motor and with a top speed above Mach 4, and a range of 400+ km. Best of all it can fold its fins and hide in the weapons bay of the J-35A so the stealth of the fighter jet is not compromised!

KJ-500: God's eye in the sky. One of the most advanced airborne early warning platforms in the world. Able to detect and track multiple airborne and surface targets at extended ranges (upto 5700 km), while also coordinating with friendly aircraft and even guiding their missiles to execute complex kill chains.

Hurricane 3000: The drone destroyer. World's most advanced High-Power Microwave (HPM) Weapon System. Sends high-power microwave energy pulses o disable or destroy drones by targeting their electronic components, rendering them inoperable. Can knock out entire drone swarms in one multi-pulse sweep! Perfect for defending air defense installations with its range of 3KM!

Pakistan has demonstrated incredible resilience and capability in the face of aggression and convincingly won the biggest Beyond Visual Range air battle in history. By next summer we will be even more deadlier.

https://x.com/Huk06/status/1924769476161032210

[Riaz Haq]

Sushant Singh
@SushantSin
So this is being done without any backchannel or official talks with Pakistan, or via a third party interlocutor like the US, when Modi claims that there has been no ceasefire and the military operation is still on.

https://x.com/SushantSin/status/1926512146721980920

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Pause in India-Pak military action, Army works on plan to ‘rebalance’ troops at border | India News - The Indian Express

https://indianexpress.com/article/india/to-dial-down-army-works-on-...

A fortnight into the pause of military action in the wake of the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, a proposed plan for “rebalancing of troops” is being discussed within the military to avoid any fresh escalation at the borders, The Indian Express has learned.

This even as Operation Sindoor is on pause and all alerts remain at their heightened levels.

While Indian and Pak armies are focusing on multiple confidence-building measures, plans for de-escalating troops and equipment from the borders within the next fortnight are being considered.

Sources said Pakistan, which carried out major reinforcements of troops and equipment over the last few weeks, will also pull them back to pre-April locations.

Incidentally, India had not ordered large-scale mobilisation or deployment of offensive formations over the last month. Limited equipment and corresponding troops, which had been moved from their permanent locations to operational ones, are now planning to go back to their regular locations.

During Operation Sindoor, the density of troops along the borders had increased but that was more because of curtailing leave and less essential movement. However, sources said, these restrictions have now been lifted. Even short-term courses, which were to be cancelled temporarily, will now continue as per slated schedules.

According to sources, after the first two days following the ceasefire agreement, no aerial violations by Pakistani drones were reported though the occasional stray drones were sighted in Jammu and Kashmir.

They added that there are orders in place to avoid firing on them without appropriate clearances, even as any ceasefire violations at the LoC will be responded to by the troops.

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged, in his address to the nation, Operation Sindoor is only on pause. This would imply that the military would continue to remain at a heightened state of alertness and operational readiness, while maintaining a strong defensive posture throughout.

There has been no official statement from the government on whether there have been DGMO-level talks on the de-escalation after May 12.

On May 12, DGMO Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Major General Kashif Abdullah – their second conversation since they agreed to stop all military action—during which it was agreed that both sides would consider immediate measures to ensure troop reduction from the borders and forward areas.

Sources said that stopping aerial violations was also discussed in the meeting.

An Army statement had also mentioned that issues related to continuing the commitment that both sides must not fire a single shot or initiate any aggressive and inimical action against each other were discussed in the talks.

The Indian Express had earlier reported that within days following May 12, both sides were scheduled to exchange plans on the modalities of de-escalation of troops and equipment deployed along the borders.



Two days after the May 12 talks, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar had claimed that Pakistan had agreed to extend the ceasefire with India until May 18 following DGMO-level talks between the two sides.

Without commenting on whether the two sides spoke, the Indian Army said both sides will continue the confidence-building measures to reduce the alertness level. It clarified that there is no expiry date to the understanding reached between the two militaries on May 10 to “stop all firing and military action from land, air and sea.”

[Riaz Haq]

Does the Chinese defense industry benefits from Pakistan military's performance against India?

AI Overview

Yes, the recent clashes between India and Pakistan have provided a significant boost to the Chinese defense industry. Pakistan's use of Chinese-made fighter jets and missiles in the conflict has raised awareness of their capabilities and sparked interest in Chinese military technology globally.
Here's why this is the case:

Battle-testing and marketing:

The conflict has served as a proxy battle-testing ground for Chinese military hardware, showcasing its potential to a global audience. This has effectively advertised Chinese weapons to a wider market, potentially increasing sales.

National pride and heightened perceptions:

The reported success of Chinese-made weapons in the conflict has boosted national pride in China and has also heightened global perceptions of Chinese military prowess and ingenuity.

Intelligence gathering:

The conflict provides China with valuable intelligence on its own weapons systems as they are used in a real-world scenario by Pakistan.

Increased demand and potential sales:

The perceived success of Chinese weapons could lead to increased demand for these systems from other countries, particularly those seeking more affordable and effective military technology.

Shift in perceptions of military technology:

The conflict has challenged the long-standing belief in the superiority of Western military technology, particularly in the context of affordability and effectiveness.

Strategic partnership:

China and Pakistan have a strong strategic partnership, with China being Pakistan's primary arms supplier. This close relationship allows for easier access to Chinese military technology and expertise.

Increased stock value:

The positive performance of Chinese-made weapons in the conflict has led to a surge in the stock prices of Chinese defense companies.

[Riaz Haq]

Swedish Saab 2000 Erieye’s role in PAF Success

Search Labs | AI Overview
Learn more
Has Sweden given Pakistan more airborne early warning radar ...
The Erieye AEW&C system played a crucial role in the Pakistan Air Force's (PAF) success, particularly during the February 2019 aerial conflict with India. It enabled the PAF to effectively monitor airspace, direct and control fighter jets, and gather intelligence, contributing to its overall air defense capabilities.
Here's a more detailed look at the Erieye's impact:
Airspace Monitoring and Surveillance:
The Erieye's radar system, with a detection range of up to 450 km, allowed the PAF to monitor airspace and detect both air and sea threats. This was particularly important in countering India's terrain masking tactics, which made it difficult for other surveillance systems to detect low-flying aircraft.
Command and Control:
During the 2019 air conflict, the Erieye was used to direct and control 25 fighter jets towards Indian targets, showcasing its command and control capabilities. The Erieye also facilitated communication between the AEW&C and other air and ground assets, enabling coordinated operations.
Intelligence Gathering:
The Erieye's ability to gather intelligence, including electronic intelligence (ELINT), was also crucial for the PAF's overall success.
Decisive Impact:
In conclusion, the Erieye's role in the 2019 aerial conflict and its overall contribution to the PAF's air defense capabilities demonstrate its significant impact on Pakistan's military readiness.

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https://youtu.be/508J-ougyIg?si=zLVQfOCTsJkpRQxe

In this in-depth analysis, we uncover how Sweden’s Saab 2000 Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) system became a game-changer for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), reshaping the balance of power in one of the world’s most volatile military rivalries—India vs. Pakistan.

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Pakistan Quietly Inducts a New Erieye AEW&C System - Quwa

https://quwa.org/daily-news/pakistan-quietly-inducts-a-new-erieye-a...

With unit ‘23058’ the PAF’s Erieye fleet has grown to seven to nine aircraft. Quwa was able to visually verify seven aircraft, but public records list serials for eight active units.

To date, the PAF has acquired the Erieye across three orders. The PAF signed its first order in 2006 for six AEW&Cs (plus one standard Saab 2000) for $1.15 billion US. However, this order was reduced to four aircraft due to the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir. The cost dropped to $186 million, indicating that each Erieye (not inclusive of training and logistics costs) was priced at $93 million US in 2007.

[Riaz Haq]

“Link-17” – Pakistan’s homegrown data-link system - Quwa

https://quwa.org/daily-news/link-17-pakistans-homegrown-data-link-s...


A recent report on the Pakistan Air Force (PAF)’s Combat Commanders School (CCS) by Wajahat S. Khan offered a number of informative details on the inner-workings of the PAF’s flagship training program. CCS is basically an institution devoted to preparing and transitioning highly promising mid-career officers for their first leadership posts in the PAF.

Not only are these officers put through rigorous training and strict testing, but they are also educated to further their understanding of modern air warfare, and are thus pushed to develop the capacity to tailor effective solutions for various tactical obstacles the PAF expects to face in a war.

We will certainly take a deeper look at CCS in the near future, but for this article, we want to draw our readers’ attention towards another interesting gem, one worth discussing in detail.

In the midst of all that activity shown at PAF Mushaf (the home of CCS), there was a monitor displaying a feed, and under that monitor was a label with the term “Link-17” printed onto it. “Link-17” is the PAF’s indigenous data-link system, which we touched upon in one of our pieces about Pakistan’s C4ISR system.

Tactical data-links (TDL) are networks that enable secure and jam-resistant voice and data exchanges between connected assets. Within that framework, TDLs also enable networked participants to view in real-time (or at least near real-time) each other’s sensor feeds, which could come from radars, sonars, electro-optical (EO) systems such as cameras, and others.

TDLs are essential components of a network-centric system, which in turn is designed to enable the right respondents to acquire new information in a timely manner. A practical example would be that of a fighter aircraft picking up an intruding enemy fighter using the radar feed of a friendly airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft. Thanks to the AEW&C’s feed, the friendly fighter is made aware of a possible threat well in advance, thus enabling the friendly fighter to comfortably adapt and address the threat.

The technical aspects of TDLs and how they are used are covered in additional detail in a previous article, but for this piece, it would be worth looking at why the availability of Link-17 is significant for the PAF, the Army, the Navy, and potentially beyond as well.

Link-17 has given the PAF a network protocol that it can use with a wide range of aerial assets, especially domestically driven programs, such as the JF-17 Thunder. The tactical operational benefits are certainly present. As with any modern TDL, the JF-17 (as well as the Mirage ROSE) can utilize the extended range air surveillance coverage offered by the radars on-board the Erieye and Karakoram Eagle AEW&C platforms, which in turn can open up a number of advantageous tactical scenarios.

For example, the JF-17 can engage in ‘lock-on after-launch’ (LOAL) maneuvers using the SD-10 beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile (BVRAAM). In LOAL, the missile is deployed to a waypoint near an approaching target, and when the BVRAAM is in the acquisition-bracket, its terminal active radar-homing seeker will activate and engage the target. In the case of the JF-17, an Erieye AEW&C could detect a target several hundred kilometers away; the JF-17 could use the feed to deploy the SD-10, and in turn, the SD-10 itself could benefit from course updates by data-link from the JF-17 or potentially even the AEW&C.

[Riaz Haq]

“Link-17” – Pakistan’s homegrown data-link system - Quwa

https://quwa.org/daily-news/link-17-pakistans-homegrown-data-link-s...

This is merely one example among many, but there is a universal point worth considering – i.e. control. With Link-17, the PAF has absolute control over its communications protocol, and in turn, it can exercise that control by freely applying Link-17 to the systems of its choice. Of course, there is an exception – i.e. U.S. origin systems such as the F-16, but beyond that, the world is open to the PAF. In time, the PAF could opt to equip Link-17 onto unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), additional ISR [intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance] assets, and even air-to-air and air-to-surface munitions.

The expertise and work developed for Link-17 should be scalable in the sense that the core fundamentals could be made available to the Army and Navy as well. If not already underway, Pakistan could develop various data-link networks for use on a wide range of complete systems, whether it be aircraft, surface ships, and even land vehicles such as main battle tanks. Although network integration within each of the service arms is on track, the greatest benefit of a network-centric system would be interoperability at the inter-services level. In other words, data-link connectivity between the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

One of the key points conveyed by the PAF during Wajahat S. Khan’s report was the fact that the Army and Air Force are closely working together, especially in regards to counterinsurgency (COIN) operations. In November 2015, the Air Force and Navy conducted a joint-exercise (“Sea Spark”), during which the Karakoram Eagle AEW&C played a role. It is evident that inter-services integration, especially in terms of networking key assets such as AEW&C and surface warships, is an objective, and this is a very significant step for the Pakistan Armed Forces.

Commitment towards inter-services cooperation is not new, but as Pakistan’s past wars clearly illustrate, the idea is not easy to apply in practice. The data-link integration and/or interoperability, the exercises, and real combat experience are all practical steps towards genuine inter-services integration, especially at the tactical level. There are a large number of tactical scenarios where TDLs are vital, such as close air support (CAS) missions, which could involve attack helicopters, tanks and other armoured vehicles from the Army, and fixed-wing combat and ISR aircraft from the Air Force. In such a high-threat and – especially in a state versus state war – high-casualty environment, the last thing one needs on their side is chaos and confusion. However, Link-17 and possibly other protocols will enable the JF-17, Z-10 attack helicopter (hopefully), drones such as the Burraq, and armoured vehicles as well as infantry to maneuver in concert together, ensuring that the right assets are deployed for the right situations at the right time.

Data-link integration will enable the armed forces to execute maneuvers in a manner that uses each service arm’s assets in the most efficient and focused way possible. However, in as far as the Pakistan Armed Forces are concerned, there is still one aspect of the communications strategy that has yet to be addressed – satellitecommunications (SATCOM). In order to raise the network-centric umbrella of the armed forces to the strategic level, a SATCOM network ought to be explored. When combined with the over-the-horizon (OTH) coverage of SATCOM, Pakistan’s data-link efforts could be used to acquire and fully utilize high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs, strengthen inter-regional command collaboration, as well as boost tactical networks with an additional jam-resistant and high-bandwidth layer.

[Riaz Haq]

“Link-17” – Pakistan’s homegrown data-link system - Quwa

https://quwa.org/daily-news/link-17-pakistans-homegrown-data-link-s...

Data-link integration will enable the armed forces to execute maneuvers in a manner that uses each service arm’s assets in the most efficient and focused way possible. However, in as far as the Pakistan Armed Forces are concerned, there is still one aspect of the communications strategy that has yet to be addressed – satellitecommunications (SATCOM). In order to raise the network-centric umbrella of the armed forces to the strategic level, a SATCOM network ought to be explored. When combined with the over-the-horizon (OTH) coverage of SATCOM, Pakistan’s data-link efforts could be used to acquire and fully utilize high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs, strengthen inter-regional command collaboration, as well as boost tactical networks with an additional jam-resistant and high-bandwidth layer.

Although not a guarantee, Pakistan could potentially use its expertise to develop an exportable data-link system. With an export version of the Link-17, the JF-17 could be marketed as a network-centric multi-role system. Prospective customers already have the option of configuring the JF-17 according to their specific needs, it is an open-platform after all (and will be a very interesting prospect once Block-III comes to fruition). But the availability of Link-17 adds another interesting layer. On the one hand, the customer has the option to use the JF-17 as part of a network-centric environment, just like any other modern military in the world. Many of the benefits described above would be available to the end-user. For the Pakistani defence industry, the work of setting up and maintaining this network would open up another avenue for long-term commercial engagement.

Of course, there is no indication that Pakistan would take the commercial route, at least not yet. In any case, Link-17 is an exciting area, one worth following closely from this point on, especially considering the potential it has in terms of strengthening critical qualitative aspects of the armed forces. Having let the existence of Link-17 slip on numerous occasions, it might worth it for the armed forces to discuss it in greater detail during IDEAS 2016.

[Riaz Haq]

Pakistan's Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is developing a homegrown Link-17 data-link system, which is capable of connecting various platforms including F-16s. This system enables network-centric operations, allowing for the sharing of real-time information between different aircraft and ground stations. The Link-17 system enhances the PAF's ability to coordinate and integrate its air assets, potentially including its F-16s, in a more effective and synchronized manner.
Here's a more detailed explanation:
Link-17:
Link-17 is a tactical data link that allows for the transmission of real-time information between different platforms, enabling a network-centric approach to air operations.
PAF's Homegrown System:
Pakistan has developed its own version of Link-17, which is being used in conjunction with its F-16 fleet and other aircraft.
Benefits of Link-17:
The system enables the sharing of real-time information, such as target data, radar imagery, and sensor data, between different aircraft and ground stations.
Increased Coordination and Integration:
By using Link-17, the PAF can better coordinate and integrate its air assets, improving the effectiveness of their operations.
Potential Applications:
The Link-17 system could be used to enhance the capabilities of Pakistan's F-16s, allowing them to operate more effectively in a network-centric environment.

[Riaz Haq]

India and France Are At Each Other’s Throats Over the Dassault Rafale Fighter - The National Interest


By Brandon Weichert

https://nationalinterest.org/blog/buzz/india-and-france-are-at-each...


The crisis within the IAF cannot by itself explain the excellent performance of Pakistani PL-15 missiles against what were supposedly India’s superior air capabilities.
The dismal showing of India’s expensive French-built Dassault Rafales in its recent war against Pakistan has triggered a wave of recriminations between the Indian and French governments. Not only has the unimpressive display of the Dassault Rafales in the opening phases of the recent conflict come as a shock to the world, but other clients of French defense contractors are having second thoughts.

As was first reported last week, the government of Indonesia has launched an audit of its recent deal with Dassault to purchase a handful of the fighters. Though no reason was given for the audit, it is transparently clear that Jakarta is worried about the poor performance of the Indian-owned Rafales against what many assumed was an inferior Pakistani Air Force.

This week, in order to salvage the Rafale’s reputation, Paris is punching back at New Delhi—pinning the losses on maintenance and pilot error rather than deficiencies in France’s most advanced fighter jet.



India Refuses to Grant French Auditors Access to India’s Rafales
Unconfirmed reports in the international press and acrosssocial media indicate that the Indian government is refusingto allow Dassault’s audit team to gain access to India’s arsenal of Rafales. Dassault’s auditors want to inspect the Indian fleet of Rafales to ensure that there are no technical problems that the Indian Air Force (IAF) may have missed.

The Indians are certain to be twitchy about this request. Why? New Delhi understandably fears the French auditors’ main purpose is to shift the blame on the poor performance of the Dassault Rafales onto the IAF itself.



Following the loss of at least one of India’s Rafale jets in the opening phase of its recent war with Pakistan, some have speculated that the Rafales were not the problem at all. Instead, they have insinuated that poor IAF pilot training and lax maintenance standards over the course of many years are to blame. The Indians categorically deny that this is the case. And indeed, though Indian standards may have contributed to the catastrophe, a simpler explanation is more likely: the French are trying to cover for the fact that their complex Rafale jets are no longer superior enough to Pakistan’s Chinese-built aircraft to justify their vastly higher price tag.

India’s Air Force Has Lacked Readiness for Over a Decade
Of course, there is ample evidence to suggest that Dassault, whose pride has been clearly wounded, might have merit to its concerns. After all, in December 2024, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence reported on a recruitment crisis that was affecting India’s military. According to its reports, the IAF was “grappling with a critical shortage of pilots”—a shortfall that “increased from 486 in February 2015 to 596 in 2021, underscoring the growing challenge in maintaining operations readiness,” as Shivani Sharma of India Today reported on December 20, 2024. The CAG report is even more damning of the IAF’s tireless but ultimately unsuccessful efforts to recruit an additional 222 trainee pilots between 2016 and 2021.

Personnel shortages delayed the attempts by the IAF to repair operational issues with critical training aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-7-Mk-II. Without reliable training birds, coupled with a serious lack of qualified pilots, the IAF was poised for a failure if war erupted.