Kashmir Conflict Intensifies: India and Pakistan Engage in Air Combat

The conflict between India and Pakistan has significantly increased in the Kashmir region, where both countries have launched attacks on each other's territories. New Delhi and Islamabad have accused each other of violating ceasefire agreements along the Line of Control, with both sides accusing the other of drone strikes. This intensifying hostility has drawn global calls for de-escalation, especially given the high stakes involving two nuclear-armed nations.
While the confrontation rages, China and France have remained observant, as their manufactured fighter jets are being deployed in the conflict. According to a Reuters report, a Chinese-made J-10 jet, used by Pakistan, downed two Indian military aircraft on May 7, 2025, marking a crucial moment for China's military aircraft reputation.
US officials speaking to Reuters confirmed the use of Chinese-made J-10 jets in the attack, noting that at least two Indian jets were downed by air-to-air missiles launched from these aircraft. One of the downed aircraft was a French-made Rafale jet, which India had recently purchased. The US officials clarified that Pakistan's F-16 jets were not involved in the incident.
Pakistan's Minister of Defense, Khawaja Muhammad Asif, corroborated the claims, stating that J-10 jets were indeed used to down three Indian Rafale jets, marking a significant blow to India's air superiority. Pakistan further claimed that it had shot down a total of five Indian planes during the aerial combat.
The Rafale and J-10 fighter jets are among the most advanced in the world, classified as 4.5-generation aircraft. Both jets are highly capable in terms of air-to-air combat, and their involvement in this ongoing conflict showcases the high level of military technology being utilized by both countries in their struggle for dominance in Kashmir.
International analysts, such as Douglas Barrie from the International Institute for Strategic Studies, have noted that the aerial combat situation will provide valuable insights into modern warfare tactics. The global military community will closely examine the strategies, technologies, and outcomes of these engagements to assess the future of aerial combat.
In China, media outlets such as Global Times have praised the performance of the J-10C fighter jets. These reports have been echoed by other Chinese platforms, including military blogs like Sohu, where Chinese netizens and military analysts have discussed the implications of the downing of Indian Rafale jets.
One of the Sohu blog articles claimed that Pakistan, with the help of electronic warfare, had shot down six Rafale jets. This was seen as a devastating blow to India's air force, with the article emphasizing that this incident was one of the most significant aerial defeats India had faced in decades.
The military engagement between India and Pakistan over Kashmir has drawn increasing attention due to the advanced weaponry used. The aerial battle between Rafale and J-10 jets has been particularly significant, as both nations use top-tier technology that could potentially alter the balance of power in the region.
As tensions rise, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution but bracing for further escalation. With nuclear-armed nations at odds and sophisticated weaponry in play, the stakes are higher than ever in the Kashmir conflict.