Pakistan's J-10C Jets Down Five Indian Fighters, Including Three Rafales, in Historic Air Battle

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Updated May 9, 2025, 03:06 PM

Pakistan has claimed that its Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets successfully shot down five Indian Air Force jets, including three French-made Rafale fighters, during an escalation of hostilities. The incident occurred following Indian airstrikes on Pakistani soil, which were a response to an attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. The wreckage of one of the downed Rafale jets, identified by its serial number BS-001, was found in Bathinda, confirming the loss of at least one Rafale. The air battle, described as one of the largest and longest in recent aviation history, involved 125 fighter jets from both nations. The engagement lasted over an hour, with both sides remaining within their respective airspaces. Missile exchanges occurred at distances exceeding 160 kilometers. A high-ranking French intelligence official confirmed to CNN's Jim Sciutto that this marked the first Rafale lost in combat. Pakistani authorities, including the Foreign Minister and Defense Minister, confirmed the use of J-10C jets equipped with PL-15 air-to-air missiles in the operation. The Chinese Ambassador was present at the Foreign Office at 4am, where developments were communicated. Pakistan also reported downing 29 Indian drones overnight, with four soldiers injured, three civilians killed, and four civilians injured during the exchange.

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