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Chengdu J-10C.
Pakistan reportedly employed Chinese-built Chengdu J-10C fighters during a May 7 aerial confrontation with India, marking what could be the first combat use of the type.
Two U.S. officials expressed “high confidence” that the J-10Cs were responsible for downing at least two Indian Air Force aircraft, while saying that Pakistan’s Lockheed Martin F-16s were not involved in the engagement, Reuters reports.
Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar told Parliament that five Indian aircraft were shot down during the clash, including three Dassault Rafales. A French intelligence official separately told Reuters that one Rafale was confirmed lost in the early hours of Operation Sindoor.
If confirmed, the incident would mark the first known operational use of the J-10C in combat, including its PL-15E beyond-visual-range air-to-air missiles. The clash may also offer an early indication of how Chinese air combat systems perform. India employs a mix of Western and Russian fighters.
India has said it took military action in response to an attack in the Indian-administered region of Pahalgam, with New Delhi blaming Pakistani-government-backed terrorists.
Pakistan appears to have lost JF-17 fighters during this recent round of fighting.
Local Indian media have reported that missile debris bearing English-language markings was recovered in the Indian state of Punjab, potentially indicating the use of export-grade PL-series missiles.
According to Aviation Week’s Fleet Discovery Military database, the Pakistan Air Force operates 20 J-10C fighters. Deliveries began in 2022. An additional 16 aircraft are reportedly on order.
India’s Defense Ministry said Pakistan attempted to launch a coordinated missile and drone strike against at least three Indian military installations during the night of May 7-8. Indian air defense units reportedly intercepted the attacks.
In response, India launched its own retaliatory strikes the following day. Video footage circulating on social media appears to show Israel Aerospace Industries Harop loitering munitions targeting air defense and radar facilities in Lahore. Pakistan claimed it intercepted at least 25 drones during the assault.
Both countries have a track record of inflated battlefield claims, and independent verification remains difficult.
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