The biggest air battle in modern history has shown that the Indian Air Force is weak and the Rafale jets are overrated
India, May 9, 2025 – On the night of May 6-7, 2025, India, in response to the activation of terrorists, attacked a number of targets in the border areas of Pakistan, which led to the largest air battle in modern history. Both sides declared themselves winners, but there are indications that the battle came at a high cost to New Delhi.
The battle between Pakistani and Indian fighters, in which a total of 125 fighter jets participated, was one of the largest and longest in recent history. India’s Operation Sindoor, which aimed to attack terrorist bases, was likely conceived as a show of force against Pakistan and involved the best-trained units. They were armed with Rafale fighters armed with SCALP cruise missiles and Hammer glide bombs, as well as Su-30MKIs armed with BrahMos missiles. ERJ-145 or A-50E AWACS aircraft also apparently participated in the operation. The attack was carried out from its own territory, which was supposed to reduce the risks for the air force. However, the Pakistanis were prepared for such a scenario. In response to the appearance of Indian aircraft, they managed to take off in time, which was able to cause some damage to the enemy.
The Pakistani army officially stated that it managed to shoot down at least 5 Indian air force aircraft during the battle. According to sources, these include three Rafales, as well as one MiG-29 and one Su-30MKI (this is evidenced by a photo of the K-36DM ejection seat). The greatest losses were suffered by fighters of French origin, 36 versions of which were purchased in 2016. Just a week ago, 26 units were also purchased in the airborne version (Rafale M). The Rafale, the most modern aircraft in service with the Indian Air Force, was considered the best combat aircraft in the command. The possibility of purchasing another 114 versions of this model was considered. However, it is now unclear how the fate of the potential deal will turn out.
The Indian Air Force was apparently faced with single-engine fighters – the JF-17 Thunder, which has long been in service with Pakistan, and the J-10CE purchased from China in 2021 (in the amount of 25 units). These are part of the elite unit of the air force, like the Rafale in India. They are capable of using Chinese long-range air-to-air missiles PL-15 with a flight range of up to 200 km. Like the Indians, the Pakistanis were in the airspace of their country, from where they attacked enemy aircraft. Thus, the rivals were 100-200 km apart.
The Indian Air Force proved to be incompetent in combat, and the Rafale aircraft were overestimated – said Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Asif. The Pakistani Air Force is considered to be very well trained and the most organized among all Islamic countries. However, it must be admitted that Islamabad expected an enemy attack, New Delhi even announced it in advance. Therefore, the Air Force simply had to be ready to repel the attack. For example, the JF-17 and J-10CE, receiving information from AWACS aircraft, could wait for the enemy at a low altitude, near the ground, while the Indians reached the launch level of a cruise missile. 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.
The Pakistani press writes that American intelligence services confirm the loss of two combat aircraft by the Indian Air Force, including a French Rafale fighter. Urdu Point writes that US intelligence claims that the Pakistani Air Force uses Chinese-made J-10 fighters. It was air-to-air missiles from the sides of these fighters that shot down the Indian aircraft. An unnamed senior French intelligence official also said that Pakistan shot down a Rafale fighter jet of the Indian Air Force, and they are investigating whether Pakistan shot down more than one Rafale aircraft.
The Indian military department claims that the Indian air defense “repulsed a night drone attack carried out by Pakistan”. A total of more than 50 Pakistani UAVs were allegedly shot down. The wreckage of the drones is found in various areas of northern India. At the same time, it is claimed that there was no destruction or casualties. Several government institutions in the state of Jammu and Kashmir were closed in connection with the attack. According to the latest data, educational institutions are closed. And this regime will last until May 12. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah:
“I am now on my way to Jammu to take stock of the situation after yesterday’s botched Pakistani drone attack on Jammu city and other parts of the district.”
It has emerged that air raid sirens have been activated in Jammu and Kashmir for the first time in a long time. Jammu is now partially without electricity. Drones and missiles were also shot down over the states of Gujarat, Rajasthan and Punjab, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence. Reports say that the Russian S-400 air defence system was used to intercept Pakistani missiles. Thanks to it, 8 missiles were intercepted on India’s western borders. In the Indian armed forces, the S-400 “Triumph” is designated as the S-400 “Sudarshan Chakra”, which corresponds to the Hindu deity Krishna.
