Chinese military hardware, particularly the J-10C fighter jets, has drawn global attention following recent hostilities between Pakistan and India sparked by New Delhi’s failed Operation Sindoor.
In the aerial conflict, Pakistan’s Chinese-built J-10Cs reportedly shot down several Indian Rafale jets, marking their first real combat deployment in South Asia. Pakistani officials praised the aircraft’s performance in Parliament, with commendation also coming from a visiting Chinese embassy delegation.
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Military experts consider the clash a turning point for China’s defense exports, which have often been seen as cost-effective but technologically inferior. The J-10C’s success against advanced Western and Russian-origin weaponry used by India is now reshaping that perception.
However, the conflict also revealed critical weaknesses in Pakistan’s air defense, as Indian long-range missiles hit strategic locations. India’s Russian-made S-400 system reportedly operated effectively during the skirmish. The battle also marked the first instance of drone warfare between the two nations, with Indian drones reportedly disabling several Pakistani radar sites.
While Chinese weapons earned praise, analysts stress that pilot skill and strategic coordination remain key to battlefield outcomes. The episode also underscored China’s limited diplomatic leverage in the region, with the U.S. stepping in to mediate a ceasefire between the nuclear rivals.
