How Pakistan Shot Down Rafale Jets in the Largest Air Battle after World War II

In the early hours of May 7, tensions between India and Pakistan erupted into one of the largest air battles in decades, involving over 100 aircraft from both sides, according to military experts.

The conflict began when India launched airstrikes on Pakistan, accusing Islamabad of supporting a militant attack in Indian Kashmir the previous month that killed 26 civilians. Pakistan strongly denied any involvement.

In response to the airstrikes, Pakistan Air Force (PAF) Chief, Air Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, who had been sleeping in the operations room for days anticipating an Indian move, ordered immediate action.

Pakistan scrambled its advanced Chinese-made J-10C fighter jets. Sidhu directed his team to focus on targeting India’s top French-made Rafale jets—considered the pride of India’s Air Force and never previously defeated in air combat.

The intense one-hour battle in the night sky saw at least one Indian Rafale shot down, according to U.S. officials cited by Reuters.

This event has sparked global debate on the performance of Western military technology against China’s rising defense exports.

The historic clash marks a significant moment in South Asia’s military history and raises new questions about future aerial warfare dynamics.