Beijing/Islamabad (Khyber Mail): China has officially marked six Indian aircraft reportedly downed by Pakistan—including three Rafale fighter jets, one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, and one Israeli-made Heron UAV—as confirmed kills on its J-10C fighter jets. This symbolic move acknowledges Pakistan’s claimed aerial victories and highlights the combat effectiveness of the Chinese-made J-10C, a key asset in the Pakistan Air Force’s fleet.
During the aerial battle between India and Pakistan on May 6-7, 2025, the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) achieved a historic milestone, recording the longest air-to-air kill in aviation history. Pakistani J-10C fighter jets, equipped with PL-15 missiles, successfully engaged Indian aircraft at an unprecedented range of 182 kilometers (113.09 miles). The engagement occurred amid the largest aerial battle in South Asian history, involving 125 fighter jets from both nations locked in combat for over an hour.
The J-10C fighter jet, developed by China’s Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, is a fourth-generation multirole aircraft featuring advanced avionics, AESA radar, and superior maneuverability. The PL-15 air-to-air missile, known for its beyond-visual-range (BVR) capabilities, played a decisive role in this engagement. With a range exceeding 200 kilometers, the PL-15 is among the most potent air combat missiles in service today.
China’s ambassador to Pakistan reportedly visited the Pakistani Foreign Ministry following the engagement, expressing satisfaction over the J-10C’s combat performance. The incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of Chinese military technology and its ability to compete with Western defense systems.
The marking of Indian aircraft kills on Pakistan’s J-10C jets signifies deepening military cooperation between China and Pakistan. Defense analysts suggest that the move serves both as recognition of Pakistan’s claimed aerial victories and a strategic message regarding Chinese advancements in defense technology.
Pakistan’s use of Chinese-built J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 missiles in setting the longest air-to-air kill record could influence future military strategies and defense acquisitions globally, marking a pivotal moment in modern aerial warfare.