On May 7, 2025, one of the largest aerial battles between Pakistan and India took place. The Pakistan Air Force, using China’s J-10C fighter jets, shot down India’s most advanced French-made Rafale aircraft. This incident sparked global debate on the effectiveness of Western military technology and the capabilities of Chinese weapons.
Around 110 military aircraft participated in this clash, which was recorded as the largest air battle in recent history. According to Reuters, at the center of the battle, Pakistan’s J-10C jets targeted the Rafale using Chinese-made long-range PL-15 missiles.
Local and international experts emphasized that “situational awareness,” rather than technological superiority, was the decisive factor in this war. Pakistan successfully integrated air, ground, and space surveillance systems into a single network. This allowed them to detect enemy movements in advance and strike accurately.
A key intelligence error by India determined the outcome of the battle. They believed the PL-15 missile could only reach 150 km. In reality, it proved capable of striking targets at distances of 200 km or more.
Additionally, Pakistan effectively implemented its “kill chain” system—from target detection to destruction. Chinese and Swedish surveillance tools worked together within this network. Pakistani pilots were able to operate accurately even with their radars turned off.
The loss of the Rafale dealt a blow to India's military political and technological strategy. However, India quickly developed new tactics and launched retaliatory strikes on Pakistani military targets in the following days. Notably, several radars and airfields were hit using BrahMos missiles.
China is gaining strategic advantage from this situation. After the effectiveness of the J-10C and PL-15 was proven, other countries started to show interest in Chinese weapons. For example, Indonesia is reconsidering its Rafale order.
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