ISLAMABAD: A Chinese military documentary aired this week has drawn attention after highlighting the role of Pakistan’s newly acquired J-10C fighter jets in a recent high-stakes dogfight with Indian forces. The report, broadcast by state-run CCTV, appears to celebrate what it calls the J-10CE’s first recorded success in actual combat.
According to the documentary, Pakistani pilots flying the J-10C aircraft engaged Indian warplanes on May 7 in a significant aerial confrontation. Reports from the Pakistani side claim that three Rafale fighter jets operated by India were shot down, among other aircraft. While Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed the use of the jets in the incident during a parliamentary session, India has yet to respond formally to the allegations.
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Speaking anonymously to regional media, one French defense official acknowledged the loss of at least one Rafale. However, Indian defense authorities have neither confirmed nor denied the report, keeping much of the exchange ambiguous.
A Fighter Born from Strategic Necessity
The J-10’s origins go back to the early 1980s when China sought to close the technological gap with Western and Soviet military aircraft. The lead designer, Song Wencong, and his team at what is now the Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group began developing the fighter from scratch. The project faced enormous technical challenges, as the team had no foreign blueprints to rely on. Yet, by 1997, the prototype took flight, a historic milestone hailed by many Chinese defense experts.
The latest export version, the J-10CE, which Pakistan now flies, boasts numerous upgrades. It features AESA radar, low observability, modern avionics, and the long-range PL-15 air-to-air missile, making it a formidable fourth-generation multi-role fighter.
Military analyst Zhang Xuefeng was quoted in China’s Global Times, noting that the J-10 program marked a turning point for Chinese aerospace. He emphasized the jet’s contributions to aerodynamic innovation and the development of advanced turbofan engines.
Public Debut and Strategic Implications
Beyond its combat debut, the J-10C is featured at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition in Malaysia, where defense observers pay close attention to its battlefield record and cutting-edge features.
Pakistan’s reliance on Chinese military technology continues to deepen. Between 2020 and 2024, 81% of Pakistan’s defense imports, including the J-10C, the JF-17 Thunder, and the PL-series missiles, came from China.
If verified, the recent combat report positions the J-10C not just as a symbol of Sino-Pakistani defense cooperation but also as a new pillar in South Asia’s evolving aerial power balance.
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