The recent report of Reuters once again brought the supremacy of the J-10C into the limelight. On May 7th, 2025, the skies above the Indo-Pak border witnessed a massive aerial combat between India and Pakistan since WWII. The severity of the aerial combat can be visualised by the fact that seventy-two Indian and forty-two Pakistani aircraft were involved – a turning point in the history of aerial combat. PAF claimed the shooting down of five Indian fighter jets, marking a shift in regional power dynamics. The PAF employed J-10C for the first time, and it successfully shot down a French-made Rafale. The deployment of the J-10C has manifested commendable capabilities of the PAF in aerial warfare through precision engagement and reinforcement of the conventional deterrence.
In the modern world, the concept of modern warfare has evolved with the advent of cutting-edge technologies. Around the globe, militaries are enhancing their capabilities by acquiring innovative technologies to gain a competitive edge over their adversaries. PAF, being a top global organisation, is no exception to it. It has managed to take pride in training, advanced technologies, and warfare strategies to achieve a comparative advantage over the IAF.
Pakistan needs to meticulously define a clear and comprehensive military strategy that aligns with the requirements of modern warfare techniques.
The ‘Vigorous Dragon’ – J-10C has been inducted by the PAF to enhance its capabilities. It’s a 4.5-generation state-of-the-art technology equipped with a single engine, long-range BVR missiles, EWs, and an AESA radar system. On the other hand, IAF’s Rafale is also a powerful 4.5-generation jet, equipped with modern technology, but was neutralised during aerial combat.
PAF employed the J-10C for performing both offensive and defensive operations in a recent clash with India. At the outset of the conflict, the vigorous dragons were employed for self-defence, denying IAF access to Pakistan’s airspace. A number of IAF jets, including three Rafale, were shot down in a short span of time, with J-10C believed to be the major contributor. As the conflict progressed, J-10 was used to carry out precision strikes during ‘Marka-e-Haq’ to herald the combat effectiveness and tactical superiority of the PAF in the offensive missions. The J-10C’s superb performance shifted the power dynamics in PAF’s favour and was able to establish a strategic deterrence during the clash between two nuclear-armed states.
IAF attacks against Pakistan all across LoC, LAC, and the IB indicated a mass miscalculation by the IAF about the PAF’s likely response. PAF, employing its available wherewithal, was able to rebound strongly by employing (MDOs), in which the J-10 C and its first shot capability played a significant role. J-10C is demonstrated as a symbolic equaliser not only against the IAF platforms but equally against the Western assets. It can easily be deduced that an intelligent employment can offset an asset worth 288 million by a relatively economical but potent 50 million platform. The capabilities and affordability make J-10C attractive for the budget-conscious militaries. The fact was also highlighted as the shares of J-10C manufacturer Chengdu Aircraft Corporation (CAC) soared by 20%, challenging the Dassault market value after the loss of Rafale. The recent trends indicate the likelihood of significant shifts in the global aviation industry. The Chinese aircraft industry is gaining momentum, challenging the Western long-standing dominance in this sector in the coming years.
No doubt that Rafale is a capable 4.5 gen aircraft; however, other than the advanced warfare capabilities of J-10C, the intelligent employment by the PAF resulted in a decisive victory that enhanced the conventional deterrence of Pakistan against India. Having lost a number of fighters in the initial gambit, the Indian forces were compelled to retreat and resort to other options, such as the employment of drones and missiles instead of direct aerial warfare. It is assumed that, should the hostilities begin again, India might resort to the use of other targeting techniques like ground-based ballistic missiles, loitering munitions, or the Indian Navy will be assigned some important role, as a lot of improvements may be required to revitalise the IAF.
India also signed a deal with France for the purchase of 26 Rafale-M worth 7.4 billion dollars for its Navy, which will significantly improve Indian maritime strike capabilities. Though these are Rafale in their accustomed role for maritime, they can always be used in other roles as well. Pakistan can counter-balance this move by increasing the number of available J-10Cs and also by advancing the induction of the fifth-generation J-35A. It will give a critical edge to Pakistan as it is cost-efficient, highly stealthy, and also has a wider range of weapon carriage capability as compared to the Rafale. The employment of this fighter in future conflicts will increase the chances of survivability in both offensive and defensive roles, and will help gain air dominance.
The ‘vigorous dragon’ has indeed changed power dynamics in South Asia by enhancing the deterrence posture, though the clouds of war are still looming. The current conflict was confined to a few days only; should it stretch for a long duration, it will exert pressure on the employment of J-10C, the mainstay of the PAF. Pakistan needs to meticulously define a clear and comprehensive military strategy that aligns with the requirements of modern warfare techniques. The number of aerial platforms would have to be increased, and requisite budgeting must be done accordingly. When the enemy is cunning and has an aggressive design, Pakistan must never lower its guard.
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