Breaking: Pakistan’s J-10C Downs Indian Rafale in Historic Clash

In May 2025, the skies over Kashmir saw one of the most intense aircraft clashes in recent history, reigniting the long-running India-Pakistan conflict. The clash, started by a deadly terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir, turned into a brief but furious combat featuring modern fighter jets with Pakistan’s Chinese-built J-10C purportedly downing India’s French-built Rafale.

This historic dogfight is attracting global interest, raising concerns about the capabilities of these 4.5-generation fighters, as well as the performance of the Indian Air Force (IAF) and Pakistan Air Force. This article delves into the India-Pakistan war of May 2025, compares the Rafale and J-10C, and investigates the air forces that operate both jets, with a focus on the reported downing of Rafales by J-10C aircraft.

The India-Pakistan War of May 2025: A Brief Overview

The conflict began on April 22, 2025, with a terrorist strike in Pahalgam, Indian-administered Kashmir, that murdered 26 people. India accused Pakistan of coordinating the strike, which Pakistan denied. On May 6, India launched Operation Sindoor, a missile barrage and airstrike campaign against alleged terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Pakistan responded with its own airstrikes, resulting in extensive aircraft clashes on May 6-7 involving over 100 aircraft. Pakistan claimed that its J-10C jets shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, a MiG-29, and a Su-30MKI, with PL-15E air-to-air missiles. India confirmed losses but minimized the extent, with Air Marshal A.K. Bharti saying, “Losses are a part of combat, but all our pilots are back home.”

The confrontation featured advance technologies such as drones, electronic warfare, and long-range missiles, with both sides claiming superiority. On May 10, a cease-fire arranged by the United States brought the combat to an end, but tensions remain high, exacerbated by India’s suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. The aerial conflicts, particularly the claimed downing of Rafales, have become a focus for military observers throughout the world, with the J-10C making its combat debut versus the Rafale.

Rafale vs. J-10C: A Comprehensive Comparison

The Rafale and J-10C are both 4.5-generation multirole fighters designed for air superiority, ground attack, and electronic warfare. Below is a full comparison of their essential features, performance, and technological capability.

1. Design and Aerodynamics

• Rafale: Dassault Aviation company of France manufactures the Rafale, a twin-engine, delta-wing, canard-configured fighter. The aerodynamic design provides exceptional agility and a low radar cross-section (RCS) of 0.1-1.0 m² when clean. The twin-engine configuration adds redundancy and increased thrust, making it suitable for long-range missions.
• J-10C: Built by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a single-engine delta-wing fighter with a canard configuration. Its enhanced intake design reduces its RCS, which is somewhat greater than the Rafale’s. The single-engine configuration makes it lighter but less resistant to damage than the Rafale.

Verdict: The Rafale’s twin-engine design improves survivability and thrust, whilst the J-10C’s lighter frame increases agility.

2. Engines and Performance

• Rafale: Powered by two Snecma M88-2 engines, each delivering 50 kN dry thrust and 75 kN with afterburners, the Rafale reaches Mach 1.8 and has a battle radius of 1,850 kilometers. Its supercruise feature allows for sustained supersonic flight without the use of afterburners.
• J-10C: With a single WS-10B turbofan engine delivering 89 kN dry thrust and 144 kN with afterburners, the J-10C can reach Mach 1.8 and has a battle radius of around 1,250 kilometers. It lacks supercruise yet has impressive climb rates and acceleration.

Verdict: The Rafale’s dual engines and supercruise give it an advantage in endurance and long-range missions, whilst the J-10C specializes in rapid, agile combat.

3. Avionics and Sensors

• Rafale: Features the Thales’ RBE2-AA active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, which can track 40 targets and engage eight at the same time at ranges of up to 200 kilometers. The SPECTRA electronic warfare package includes superior radar jamming, missile warning, and countermeasures, although its effectiveness during the battle prompted questions.
• J-10C: Equipped with an indigenous AESA radar, most likely the KLJ-7A, with a detection range of about 170 km and the capability to track 15 targets and engage six. Its electronic warfare package, which included radar jammers, reportedly hindered Rafale operations throughout the conflict.

Verdict: The Rafale’s radar and SPECTRA suite are more advanced, but the J-10C’s electronic warfare capabilities proved effective in combat.

4. Weapons Systems

• Rafale: Can carry a wide range of weapons, including the MBDA Meteor (200 km range) and MICA air-to-air missiles, SCALP-EG cruise missiles, and precision-guided munitions. Its 30mm GIAT gun offers close-range capability.
• J-10C: Armed with the PL-15E (150-200 km range) and PL-10 air-to-air missiles, as well as precision-guided bombs and anti-ship missiles. Its 23mm cannon is effective during dogfights. The PL-15E’s performance against the Meteor has been the focus of attention.

Verdict: The Rafale’s Meteor missile offers superior range, but the J-10C’s PL-15E proved lethal in combat, suggesting comparable effectiveness.

5. Stealth and Survivability

• Rafale: It’s low RCS and SPECTRA package increase survivability, however reported downings indicate vulnerabilities to sophisticated electronic warfare.
• J-10C: Its low RCS and electronic countermeasures, combined with flexible accessibility, make it difficult to identify and attack. Pakistan’s claims of radar jamming suggest a high level of survivability in disputed settings.

Verdict: The J-10C’s electronic warfare edge was evident in the conflict, though the Rafale’s design remains robust.

6. Cost and Maintenance

Rafale: The Rafale is expensive, costing between $115 and 120 million per unit, and requires extensive upkeep due to its complex systems.

J-10C: Estimated at $50 million per unit, the J-10C is cost-effective and requires less maintenance, making it appealing to nations with limited budgets.

Verdict: The J-10C’s low cost offers it an advantage against smaller air forces, while the Rafale’s high cost reflects its advanced capabilities.

Air Forces Operating Rafale and J-10C

Rafale Operators

The Rafale is operated by:

• Indian Air Force (IAF): 36 Rafales will be delivered by 2022, with 26 Rafale Marines ordered in April 2025. They are a key component of India’s aviation strategy, with bases in Ambala and Hasimara.
• Over 150 Rafales are in service with the French Air and Space Force, having been deployed in conflicts in Libya, Mali, and Syria.
• Egypt, Qatar, Greece, Croatia, Indonesia, and the United Arab Emirates all operate or have ordered Rafales, with Egypt and Qatar employing them in regional operations.

J-10C Operators

The J-10C is operated by:

• The Pakistan Air Force (PAF): Currently has approximately 20 J-10CEs in service, with 36 more on order. They were acquired in 2022 to counter India’s Rafales and are stationed in Bholari and other important locations.
• People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF): More than 200 J-10Cs are used for air defense and regional deterrence. Pakistan is the only export customer.

The Downing of Rafales by J-10Cs: What Happened?

On May 6-7, 2025, Pakistan claimed that its J-10C planes, armed with PL-15E missiles, shot down five Indian aircraft, including three Rafales, following a lengthy duel over Kashmir. Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar and Air Vice Marshal Aurangzeb Ahmed presented electronic signatures and crash site coordinates to back up their allegations. BBC Verify and The Washington Post validated visual evidence in Punjab and Kashmir, including wreckage from a Rafale’s M88 engine and an MBDA MICA missile. U.S. and French officials acknowledged the downing of at least one Rafale, with Reuters quoting US sources stating that two Indian jets, including a Rafale, were struck.

Pakistan’s victory is attributed to the J-10C’s electronic warfare capabilities, which allegedly disrupted the Rafale’s radar and SPECTRA system, forcing retreats or emergency landings. Chinese media and analysts praised the J-10C’s beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat capabilities, which included its first confirmed air-to-air kills. However, India contested the scale of the losses, with some sources claiming that accidents were caused by mechanical problems or ejected equipment rather than direct impacts. Misinformation, such as a 2024 MiG-29 crash photograph incorrectly attributed to a Rafale, muddled narratives.

The incident led to a 9.48% drop in Dassault Aviation’s stock, while China’s AVIC Chengdu Aircraft saw a 40% surge, reflecting market reactions to the J-10C’s combat debut.

Analysis: Why Did the J-10C Prevail?

Several factors may explain the J-10C’s reported success:

1. Electronic Warfare: The J-10C’s radar jamming disrupted Rafale operations, a claim supported by Pakistani officials and Chinese analysts.
2. PL-15E Missile: The missile’s 150-200 km range and active radar homing matched or outperformed the Rafale’s Meteor, enabling effective BVR engagements.
3. Tactical Execution: Pakistan’s use of integrated systems, including early warning aircraft and air defense, gave J-10Cs a situational advantage.
4. Rafale Vulnerabilities: Questions about the SPECTRA system’s robustness against Chinese electronic countermeasures have emerged, prompting scrutiny in France.

However, the Rafale’s advanced avionics and pilot training suggest the outcome may also reflect specific tactical or environmental factors, such as India’s operational constraints in a multi-front conflict.

Global Implications and Lessons Learned

The J-10C’s combat success has helped China’s reputation as a weapons exporter, challenging Western dominance. It has pushed Taiwan and other countries to reconsider China’s military capabilities, while India may expedite its search for indigenous fighters or US F-35s. The fight highlights the expanding role of electronic warfare and BVR combat in modern air wars, with forces around the world analyzing the engagement for insights.

Conclusion

The India-Pakistan war of May 2025, while brief, was a watershed moment in military aviation, with Pakistan’s J-10C defeating India’s Rafale. While the Rafale had superior avionics and endurance, the J-10C’s affordability, electronic warfare, and PL-15E missile were crucial in this battle. As both air forces rebuild and world powers assess the outcome, this dogfight will influence future air warfare strategy and arms competitions. For the time being, the J-10C’s success has transformed perceptions of Chinese military technology, leaving an indelible mark on the India-Pakistan rivalry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the current status of the India-Pakistan aerial conflict involving Rafale and J10C jets?

Interest centers on the latest developments, especially claims of engagements between Indian Rafale and Pakistani J10C jets, and whether these incidents are verified.

Q: Has the Pakistani J10C really shot down an Indian Rafale jet?

A common question due to conflicting reports from both nations, with Pakistan claiming success and India denying losses, fueling debates about the J10C’s capabilities.

Q: What are the capabilities of the Rafale and J10C fighter jets?

People often seek comparisons between the French-made Rafale and the Chinese-made J10C, including their speed, weaponry, and combat effectiveness.

Q: What role do India and Pakistan flags play in the context of this conflict?

Curiosity about the symbolic use of national flags in imagery and propaganda related to the aerial battles.

Q: What missiles were used in the recent India-Pakistan dogfights?

Interest in the types of air-to-air missiles, such as the PL-15 (used by J10C) and Meteor (used by Rafale), and their impact on the outcomes.

Q: How many fighter jets were involved in the latest India-Pakistan aerial battle?

Questions arise from reports of a massive dogfight involving 125 jets, with people wanting to know the scale and verification of these claims.

Q: Why are India and Pakistan engaging in aerial combat in 2025?

Public interest in the triggers, such as the recent Kashmir attack, and the broader geopolitical tensions driving these conflicts.

Q: What are the potential risks of escalation in the India-Pakistan conflict?

Concerns about the involvement of nuclear-armed nations and how aerial engagements could lead to a larger war.

Q: How do Western and Chinese military technologies compare in this conflict?

A frequent topic given the use of French Rafale jets by India and Chinese J10C jets by Pakistan, highlighting a proxy technology showdown.

Q: What is the international response to the India-Pakistan aerial clashes?

Interest in how global powers like the US, China, and others are reacting, including calls for de-escalation or mediation.