Pakistan claims that its air force had a massive aerial clash with the Indian Air Force (IAF). The most advanced aerial assets of both nations—India’s Rafale and Pakistan’s J-10CE—were involved, along with the most sophisticated ground-based air defense systems (AD), including India’s S-400 and Pakistan’s HQ-9.
A terrorist attack in Pahalgam (part of Indian-administered Kashmir) on April 22 triggered the clash, resulting in the deaths of 26 civilians. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor on May 7, targeting 21 locations—training camps of the groups Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba—in 25 minutes using ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and suicide drones.
The name “Sindoor” refers to the red powder Hindu women apply to the parting of their hair as a symbol of marriage and devotion. In this context, the name symbolizes the protection and defense of Indian citizens, especially women, and India’s determination to confront terrorist threats.
According to CNN, citing Pakistani security sources, it was “one of the largest and longest air battles in history,” involving up to 125 aircraft and lasting over an hour. Reports indicate that they fired air-to-air missiles from distances exceeding 160 kilometers, and no aircraft entered the other nation’s airspace.
The Pakistani Air Force (PAF) is among the world’s seven largest, with approximately 1,350 aircraft and helicopters, including 850 for air combat. Its main suppliers are China, France, and the U.S., but Pakistan now primarily relies on its domestic defense industry and China as its key military and political ally.
Despite having received up to $33 billion in U.S. military aid in the past, Pakistan now predominantly buys Chinese military technology. Estimates suggest Pakistan has around 418 combat aircraft, though about 270 are older second-generation models (Mirage III and Chinese F-7). The backbone of PAF consists of more modern aircraft—U.S.-made F-16s and Chinese-Pakistani JF-17s, complemented by the newer J-10CE jets.
Currently, Pakistan operates 75 F-16A/B/C/D aircraft across five tactical squadrons. However, Chinese aircraft dominate:
Eight frontline units deploy 161 JF-17s.
The latest JF-17 Block 3 features the KLJ-7A AESA radar, helmet-mounted sights, and digital flight controls and can carry PL-10E and PL-15E missiles. Over 50 Block 3s have been ordered.
The most advanced Pakistani jet, the multi-role J-10CE, had its first 25 units delivered in March 2022, serving in the 15th “Venomous Cobras” Tactical Squadron. It’s highly maneuverable, equipped with AESA radar, and supports PL-10E and PL-15E missiles.
According to Pakistan, JF-17s and J-10CEs played a key role in shooting down at least one Indian Rafale, reportedly using PL-15E missiles—Chinese air-to-air missiles with active radar guidance and a claimed range of 145 km. The claim remains unverified.
The Indo-Pakistani clash occurred without direct visual contact between aircraft, confirming a long-standing principle: whoever has superior detection, longer-range missiles, and better data links wins.
India, however, managed to recover relatively intact parts of a PL-15E, which will allow it (and probably its Western friends) to analyze its design, guidance, datalink, and countermeasures—findings that could significantly improve defenses against such missiles.
In the initial reports, Pakistan appeared to have a slight advantage, but as time progressed, it became unclear which side was in control. Both sides naturally claimed victory—each stating it detected attacks early, jammed guidance systems, and downed enemy assets.
Both issued near-identical official statements, stressing public support, use of advanced tech, integrated military response, rapid reaction, successful enemy neutralization, minimal losses, and high strike accuracy.
In addition to air forces, missile units, artillery, electronic warfare, and cyber capabilities were also deployed. Both countries claimed minimal losses and full operational readiness for their bases and units.
India said it targeted only terrorist camps in Pakistani territory, including Pakistani-administered Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan, by contrast, accused India of hitting civilian targets while describing its strikes as “limited and precise.”
Pakistani forces claimed success in jamming Indian drones’ communications and guidance systems, downing 54 drones in total. Pakistan reportedly shot down 25 of India’s Israeli-made Harop suicide drones on the first day, particularly around Karachi and Lahore.
Pakistan’s official losses were minimal—only one aircraft was lightly damaged on the ground. Pakistan also stated that India’s aircraft carrier was not a significant threat, as it carried only a few jets, and India’s naval air force was not involved.
According to India Today, Pakistan lost four aircraft in the initial wave—one AWACS, two JF-17s, and one F-16—though these claims remain unverified.
Pakistan attempted drone intrusions at 36 locations from Leh to Sir Creek on Thursday night (May 8, 2025). Suspected to be of Turkish origin, Pakistan likely used the drones to test the Indian Air Defenses (AD). Subsequently, Pakistan attempted to target the Bhatinda military station with an armed drone, according to India. Pakistan was also accused by India of employing civil airliners as a “shield.”
In a May 8 press conference, the Pakistani Air Force claimed to have shot down five Indian aircraft the day before—three Rafales, one MiG-29, one Su-30MKI, and one drone. India reportedly deployed 72 combat aircraft, including 14 Rafales, while Pakistan deployed 42 and claimed zero losses. An alleged radio recording of downed Indian pilots was also released.
Social media showed video footage of wreckage from a downed Su-30MKI near Ahnur in Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, including fragments of the Lulka AL-31FP engine. India refuted it.
In response to India’s attack on May 9, Pakistan launched a counteroffensive named “Operation Bunyan ul Marsoos”—an Arabic term meaning “solid, unshakable structure” or “impregnable fortress.” Pakistan often uses Afghan and Arabic phrases or names for its operations. Due to a lack of depth in its history.
Pakistan conducted major strikes on Indian bases in Ambala, Adampur, Avantipur, Bathinda, Bhuj, Barnala, Halwara, Nal, Pathankot, Poonch, Sirsa, Srinagar, Suratgarh, and Udhampur. Targets also included BrahMos missile depots in Beas and Nagrota.
Social media footage showed JF-17s armed with Chinese CM-400AKG ballistic missiles used against Adampur and Pathankot bases equipped with S-400 systems. Reports indicate that additional strikes targeted a radar station in Poonch and a fuel depot in Uri.
India retaliated with attacks on Pakistani bases in Mushaf/Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan, Bolari, Jacobabad, Nur Khan/Chaklala, Rafiqui/Shorkot, and Sukkur, also targeting runways and radars in Arifwala, Chunian, and Pasrur. Pakistani social media users shot many videos of the hits on the air bases.
The entire conflict saw intense air defense activity.
Photos emerged on social media showing remnants of an Indian S-400 40N6 missile, allegedly shot down by Pakistani HQ-9 (FD-2000) systems, along with debris from other missiles: 9M96 (S-400), 5V27 (S-125 Neva), Barak-8, Python-5, and Derby (Spyder).
Pakistan’s air defense system has undergone a major modernization in recent years—from MANPADS and gun systems to modern HQ-9, HQ-16 (LY-80), and FM-90 systems, supported by a large radar network including IBIS-150, JY-27A, and Skyguard. This gives Pakistan the capability to detect, jam, and destroy even sophisticated Indian missiles and drones.
India and Pakistan reached an understanding on May 10 to end the conflict after four days of intense cross-border drone and missile strikes.