Pakistan has announced that it used Chinese-built J-10C fighter jets to shoot down five Indian military aircraft during a clash near the disputed border regions, escalating tensions between the two nuclear-armed nations.
The brief but intense confrontation took place on Wednesday and is the latest in a series of military incidents rooted in the long-standing Kashmir dispute.
According to statements from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the Pakistani military, the Indian losses included three Rafale jets—advanced French-made fighters that were recently inducted into India’s air force. The other two aircraft involved were not identified. Pakistan has presented the incident as a significant military achievement, crediting the success to the J-10C jets, which were acquired from China as part of deepening defense ties between the two countries.
Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed in parliament that the J-10Cs were responsible for the air-to-air kills. He emphasized that the Pakistani jets were responding to Indian incursions in contested airspace, calling it a defensive operation. While Pakistan celebrated the event, India has not issued any official response or confirmation regarding the loss of its aircraft.
If verified, this incident would mark the first time Chinese J-10C fighter jets have scored an air-to-air kill in live combat. It would also represent the first known combat losses of India’s Rafale jets, which had been seen as a critical addition to its air force capabilities. The Rafale aircraft were purchased from France to enhance India’s edge in regional aerial warfare, particularly in areas like Kashmir.
The J-10C, developed by China’s Chengdu Aerospace Corporation, is considered a modern multi-role fighter with advanced radar and weapons systems. Its use in this encounter, if proven, could boost the jet’s reputation and appeal in international arms markets, particularly among countries looking for alternatives to Western fighter aircraft.
The situation remains tense along the border, with both sides maintaining high military readiness. In the past, skirmishes have led to full-scale standoffs and international concern, especially given the nuclear capabilities of both nations. The international community is closely watching the fallout from this latest incident, as verification of Pakistan’s claims could alter regional dynamics and further complicate diplomatic relations between India, Pakistan, and their global allies.