Pakistan Uses Chinese-Made J-10 Jets to Down Five Indian Planes, Including First Rafale Loss

Pakistan's military has claimed to have shot down five Indian fighter jets, including three Rafale, one Su-30, and one MiG-29, in response to alleged Indian military actions. The Pakistani Defense Ministry stated that these incidents occurred over Indian airspace, and no Pakistani aircraft were downed during the engagements. Additionally, some Indian soldiers were taken prisoner. A French intelligence official confirmed to CNN that at least one Indian Rafale fighter jet was downed by Pakistan, marking the first combat loss of this French-made aircraft. The wreckage of the Rafale, identified by serial number BS-001 and inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2020, was found in Bathinda, confirming Pakistan's claim of downing one of the three Rafale jets. U.S. officials have confirmed to Reuters that Pakistan used Chinese-made J-10 fighter jets to shoot down at least two Indian aircraft, including a Rafale. This development is being closely watched in Washington for insights into the capabilities of Chinese military technology against Western rivals.