Pakistan successfully downed India's advanced fighter aircraft using Chinese equipment.
In a dramatic turn of events on May 7, one of the world's largest air battles in decades unfolded, involving approximately 110 aircraft. This hour-long fight, which took place over the skies of the India-Pakistan border, was among the most significant aerial engagements in recent years.
The conflict began after India targeted Pakistani military infrastructure, following an initial air battle. India employed Indian-made BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles, but it was Pakistan's deployment of Chinese-made J-10C fighters equipped with advanced beyond-visual-range missiles (PL-15) that proved decisive.
Pakistan's strategic focus on high-value Indian aircraft, such as the Rafale jets, played a crucial role in the outcome. Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Sidhu, commanding Pakistan's air operations, prioritised engaging these aircraft, which are considered the "jewel of India's fleet." Pakistan's use of Chinese technology and missile capabilities was central to their success in the aerial engagement.
Intelligence failures on India's side significantly contributed to the incident. India appeared to underestimate the scale and readiness of Pakistan's air response, deploying around 70 fighter jets but facing about 125 Pakistani and Indian fighter jets in total combat. The Indian Air Force was caught off guard by Pakistan's integrated air defense and electronic warfare capabilities, which led to the loss of multiple Indian jets, including several Rafales.
The aftermath of the conflict saw accusations and counter-accusations. India's deputy army chief Lt. Gen. Rahul Singh accused Pakistan of receiving "live inputs" from China during the battles, implying radar and satellite feeds. However, Pakistan denies this allegation.
In response to the conflict, India claimed to have struck at least nine air bases and radar sites in Pakistan, including a surveillance plane parked in a hangar in southern Pakistan. Meanwhile, Indonesia is considering purchasing J-10s, which could be a major boost to China's efforts to sell the aircraft overseas.
The Pakistani military stated that China's air chief Lt. Gen. Wang Gang visited Pakistan in July to discuss how Islamabad had used Chinese equipment to put together the "kill chain" for the Rafale. China did not respond when asked about this interaction.
The Data Link 17 system, a Pakistani-developed system, played a crucial role in the engagement. It connected Chinese military hardware with other equipment, including a Swedish-made surveillance plane. This allowed Chinese-made J-10s flying closer to India to obtain radar feeds from the surveillance plane cruising further away, enabling them to fly undetected.
The downing of the Rafale was due to an Indian intelligence failure concerning the range of the China-made PL-15 missile fired by the J-10 fighter. India had vowed a response to an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that they blamed on Islamabad.
As both nations continue to modernise their military capabilities, the May 7 air battle serves as a stark reminder of the importance of accurate intelligence and strategic planning in the face of advanced technology and formidable adversaries.
- The deployment of Chinese-made J-10C fighters equipped with advanced PL-15 missiles played a decisive role in the amiable May 7 air battle, proving that technology can significantly impact the outcome of sports-like conflicts.
- In the aftermath of the May 7 air battle, it became clear that Pakistan's strategic focus on high-value Indian aircraft, such as the Rafale jets, and their use of Chinese technology was a crucial component of their success.
- The downing of the Rafale jet during the May 7 air battle was due to an Indian intelligence failure regarding the range of the China-made PL-15 missile, emphasizing the importance of having accurate information about one's assets and those of the opposition, especially in high-stakes positions like this.
