Pakistan Uses Chinese J-10C Jets To Down Indian Rafale Fighters

Recent aerial clashes between India and Pakistan have highlighted the combat effectiveness of Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles used by Pakistan against Indian forces. Pakistan claimed to have shot down multiple Indian Rafale fighter jets using these Chinese weapons, marking the first confirmed combat use of J-10Cs and PL-15 missiles, providing China with valuable real-world data on their military capabilities. This development has drawn global attention, as it signals a potential shift in air combat power dynamics, with Chinese military technology proving competitive against Western and NATO-standard aircraft. Taiwanese defense observers express concern that these combat-tested Chinese weapons and tactics could impact future conflicts in the Taiwan Strait, given the PL-15 missile's superior range and targeting capabilities compared to Indian systems. Experts emphasize that China's strategic alliance with Pakistan allows Beijing to assess its weapon systems in complex combat scenarios, which could influence regional military balances and future Indo-Pacific security arrangements. Meanwhile, the US continues to advance its own next-generation fighter programs, such as the F-47 and associated drone systems, to maintain air dominance amid growing Chinese advancements.