Pakistan announced that it had shot down 3 French-made Rafale fighters, 1 MiG-29 fighter jet and 1 Russian-made Su-30MKI fighter jet.
According to Pakistani security sources, five Indian Air Force fighter jets and one drone were shot down by Pakistan in the Indian attack.
In a statement issued to reporters, Pakistani security sources said three French-made Rafale jets, a MiG-29 fighter jet and a Su-30MKi fighter jet were shot down “in self-defence”. An Indian Heron drone was also shot down, they added.
Another senior Pakistani government official confirmed a similar list of downed aircraft.
The press conference did not say exactly where or how the jets were shot down.
Pakistani officials had earlier announced that they had shot down three planes and one drone.
International media outlets were unable to independently verify these claims and have contacted the Indian government for a response.
The Indian Air Force is considered very strong compared to Pakistan thanks to its possession of a number of reliable fourth-generation fighters, mostly imported and licensed from Russia and France: Su-30MKI, Dassault Rafale, MiG-29, Mirage 2000 and MiG-21. The IAF also operates its own indigenous fighter, the HAL Tejas.
It is not yet clear what weapon Pakistan used to shoot down the Indian fighter jet, however, it is likely that they used both anti-aircraft missiles and fighter jets. In particular, Pakistan’s air defense force is also very formidable.
Amid recent tensions between Pakistan and India, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) has revealed some important details about its capabilities, according to Bilal Khan, an expert at Quwa Research.
Details of a new ground-based air defense (GBAD) system, next-generation munitions for the JF-17 Block-III fighter, and the growing component and growing role of its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) fleet suggest that Pakistan is deploying a multi-pronged strategy.
The PAF’s strategy appears to focus on developing a more layered air defence network, improving the combat effectiveness of its fighter fleet and leveraging unmanned systems for increasingly complex roles, such as long-range strikes.
The PAF revealed the introduction of the FD-2000 long-range air defense missile (SAM). This system joins the previously inducted HQ-9BE ultra-long-range interceptor system (believed to have a range of 260-280km) and the HQ-16FE medium-long-range (range of 160km), both of Chinese origin.
The FD-2000 is the export version of the first variant of the Chinese-made HQ-9 system, which has a range of 125km. Interestingly, Pakistan expressed interest in the system in the mid-2000s, but did not purchase it.
The integration of the FD-2000 is notable for its role in enhancing the PAF’s GBADS. Its shorter range adds a layer of firepower to complement the HQ-16FE, contributing to a multi-layered network with overlapping battle zones.
Besides long-range air defense systems, Pakistan also possesses many close-in air defense weapons such as the Italian Spada-2000, the French Crotale, the Chinese FN-16 and French Mistral shoulder-fired air defense missiles, and the indigenous Anza missile.
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan, reports indicate that Pakistan’s military has downed five Indian fighter jets in recent days. The weaponry employed in these engagements has been a subject of intense scrutiny.Wikipedia+2Business Insider+2Reuters+2
The Weaponry Behind the Downings
According to Pakistani military sources, the downed aircraft included:The Guardian+2Business Insider+2Reuters+2
- Three French-made Rafale jets
- One Russian-designed MiG-29
- One Su-30Wikipedia+3Business Insider+3Wikipedia+3
Pakistan’s primary interceptors in these operations were its Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets, which have been operational since 2022. These advanced multirole fighters are equipped with sophisticated avionics and weapons systems, making them formidable opponents in aerial combat.Business Insider+1The Week+1
The Escalation: Operation Sindoor
The recent flare-up began on May 7, 2025, when India launched “Operation Sindoor,” targeting nine locations in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. The operation reportedly involved the use of SCALP missiles and AASM Hammer bombs, delivered by Rafale jets. Pakistan condemned these strikes as acts of aggression and vowed retaliation.Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6Wikipedia+6
In response, Pakistan claims to have downed five Indian aircraft, including the aforementioned Rafales, MiG-29, and Su-30. The Pakistani military asserts that these actions were taken in self-defense and to protect its airspace.Wikipedia+5Business Insider+5Reuters+5
International Reactions and Verification
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating tensions. While Pakistan’s claims have not been independently verified, the downing of multiple aircraft in such a short period is unprecedented in recent times. Both nations have reported casualties, and the situation remains volatile.Reuters+4The Australian+4AP News+4Business InsiderReuters
Conclusion
The recent engagements between India and Pakistan highlight the advanced capabilities of both nations’ air forces. Pakistan’s use of J-10C fighter jets in these operations underscores its growing aerial prowess. As the situation develops, the international community watches closely, hoping for a de-escalation of hostilities
