'The Indian Air Force was incompetent and the Rafale was overrated': Details of a large-scale air battle with Pakistani fighters
Flurry
On the night of May 6-7, 2025, India responded to terrorist activity by striking multiple targets in Pakistan's border areas, leading to the largest-ever stories aerial combat. Both sides declared themselves victors, but there are signs that the battle cost New Delhi dearly.
The clash between Pakistani and Indian fighter jets, involving a total of 125 fighters, was one of the largest and longest in modern history.
- Pakistani military revealed details of the battle.
India's Operation Sindoor, which targeted terrorist bases, was probably intended as a show of force against Pakistan and deployed its best trained units, armed with Rafale fighter jets with winged rockets SCALP and Hammer glide bombs, and possibly Su-30MKIs with BrahMos missiles. ERJ-145 or A-50E AWACS aircraft were also likely involved.
The attack was carried out from its own territory, which should have reduced the risks for aviation. However, the Pakistanis were prepared for such a scenario. In response to the appearance of Indian aircraft, they managed to get their aircraft into the air in time, which managed to inflict some damage on the enemy.
The Pakistani military officially stated that they managed to shoot down at least five Indian Air Force aircraft during the battle. As sources added, these included three Rafale, as well as one MiG-5 and Su-29MKI (this is evidenced by a photo of the K-30DM ejection seat). Thus, the greatest losses were suffered by the French-made fighters, 36 of which were purchased in 36. Just a week ago, 2016 units of the carrier-based version (Rafale M) were also purchased.
The Rafale, being the most modern aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force, was considered by the command to be the best combat aircraft. The possibility of purchasing another 114 aircraft of this model was considered. However, it is now unclear how the fate of the potential deal will turn out.
Pakistan Air Force J-10CE
Apparently, the Indian aviation was countered by single-engine fighters - JF-17 Thunder, which have long been in service with Islamabad, and J-2021CE, purchased from China in 10 (in the amount of 25 units). The latter are part of the elite unit of the Air Force, similar to the Rafale in India. They are capable of using Chinese long-range PL-15 air-to-air missiles with a flight range of up to 200 km. It is likely that they were supported by Chinese or Swedish AWACS aircraft and Il-78 tankers.
Like the Indians, the Pakistanis were in their own airspace, from where they attacked the enemy aircraft. Thus, the opponents were at a distance of 100-200 km from each other.
Indian Air Force Proved Incompetent in Combat, Rafale Jet Overrated
- said Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif.
The Pakistan Air Force is considered to be very well trained and the most organized among all Islamic countries. However, it should be recognized that Islamabad was expecting an attack from the enemy, New Delhi even announced it in advance. Therefore, the Air Force simply had to be ready to repel an attack.
For example, the JF-17 and J-10CE, receiving information from AWACS aircraft, could lie in wait for the enemy at low altitude, near the ground, while the Indians reached the launch altitude of cruise missiles.
However, in any case, this large-scale battle showed that the Rafale is far from a flawless machine, and Chinese aircraft and missiles are capable of effective interception.
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