Tensions along the Line of Control have intensified after senior U.S. officials confirmed that Pakistan used Chinese-manufactured J-10C fighter jets and HQ-9 long-range air defence systems to down multiple Indian Air Force (IAF) assets, including at least one Rafale fighter jet. The incident, which occurred amid heightened hostilities, has sent shockwaves through South Asian strategic circles and global defence markets.
Confirmed Kills: Chinese Airpower in Action
According to Reuters and The Daily Star, U.S. intelligence officials believe that Pakistani J-10C jets were responsible for downing at least two Indian fighter jets—one Rafale and one Su-30MKI—during a high-stakes dogfight. Additional Indian aircraft were reportedly destroyed by HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missiles, a Chinese counterpart to the U.S.-made Patriot system (Reuters, The Daily Star).
Dozens of Indian kamikaze drones—believed to be loitering munitions aimed at Pakistani radar and forward bases—were also intercepted by Pakistani air defences. These were neutralised using radar-guided AA systems and EW jamming capabilities, Pakistan’s military officials confirmed.
Market Fallout: Chengdu Soars, Dassault Falls
The skirmish had immediate repercussions on the global defence industry. Chengdu Aircraft Corporation, which manufactures the J-10C, saw an 11.85% surge in share value following news of the engagement. In stark contrast, Dassault Aviation, producer of the Rafale, suffered a near 6% decline on the Paris stock exchange (ProPakistani).
The drop in Dassault’s value has prompted concern in France, where media and defence analysts criticised India’s handling of the jets. Le Monde Diplomatique questioned India’s operational doctrine and called the Rafale’s loss “a blow to the credibility of French airpower exports.” A French intelligence official told CNN that at least one Indian Rafale was confirmed lost—marking the first such loss in combat (Tribune).
Fighter Jet Comparison: Rafale, Su-30MKI, MiG-29UPG
| Specification | Rafale B/C (India) | Su-30MKI | MiG-29UPG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | France (Dassault Aviation) | Russia/India (HAL) | Russia (RAC MiG) |
| Generation | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4+ |
| Engines | 2 × Snecma M88-2 | 2 × AL-31FP | 2 × RD-33 Series 3 |
| Thrust Vectoring | No | Yes | No |
| Max Speed | Mach 1.8 | Mach 2.0 | Mach 2.25 |
| Combat Range | ~1,850 km (with drop tanks) | ~3,000 km | ~1,500 km |
| Radar | RBE2-AA AESA | N011M Bars (PESA) | Zhuk-ME (PESA) |
| Max Payload | 9,500 kg | 8,000 kg | 4,500 kg |
| Notable Weapons | Meteor, MICA, SCALP | R-77, BrahMos, Kh-31 | R-77, R-27, Kh-29 |
| Air Superiority Role | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Multirole Capability | True multirole | Air dominance + strike | Limited strike |
Sources: Dassault Aviation, HAL, RAC MiG, SIPRI, FlightGlobal 2024
Global Implications and Strategic Shifts
The incident not only underscores the growing combat viability of Chinese military hardware but also alters perceptions of airpower parity in South Asia. Pentagon analysts are reportedly assessing the implications for future U.S. support to allies in the Indo-Pacific, particularly Taiwan, where J-10 variants and HQ-9 systems are also deployed by the PLA.
China, while not directly commenting on the incident, has reaffirmed Pakistan’s right to self-defence. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for restraint but expressed confidence in “the effectiveness of systems designed to ensure regional balance.”
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that air combat over South Asia is entering a new era—one defined by advanced surface-to-air systems, beyond-visual-range engagements, and rapidly evolving drone warfare.
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