Conflict of India and Pakistan. Chinese fighters shot down the French over Kashmir – Reuters

The Chinese J -10 fighters used by Pakistan shot down at least one French fighter Rafale of the India Air Force, “said Reuters. Pakistan previously claimed that his aviation had shot down three such machines, but he did not provide any evidence. If these reports are confirmed, this will be the first case when Rafale produced by France was lost in battle.

Indian blow, carried out on the night of Tuesday to Wednesday at Nine facilities in Pakistanwas recognized by the authorities in Delhi as an adequate response to the terrorist attack in Kashmir, in which 26 people were killed. The attack was supplied with the use of fighters and drones.

Pakistan claimed that his fighters were knocked down five Indian machines during this attack: three rafals and two MiG-29 and SU-30 Soviet aircraft. However, these claims have been proven. Authorities India In turn, they deny all reports and censor publications on this subject. Sources in the Indian army only unofficially confirmed the AFP agency that at least one machine was destroyed by Pakistan.

Chinese fighters shot down the French

Meanwhile, on Thursday evening, the Reuters agency confirmed that at least two fighters belonging to India were shot down, and the shootings were most likely made by air-to-air rockets fired from Chinese J-10 Chinese fighters used by Pakistan. Referring to anonymous sources in the American administration, Reuters also informs that at least one of the shot down machines was Rafale French production.

The first unconfirmed photos also appeared on the web, which are to show the remains of one of the shot down fighters. They show inscriptions in French, which could confirm the shooting down of Rafale or the second of the French fighter models in Indian aviation – Mirage 2000.

If the reports are confirmed that Rafale was among the shot down machines, this will be the first case when this French fighter was lost in battle – notes “Le Monde”. The media also point out that this would be a particularly severe loss for India, because Rafale is the latest and most modern fighters they possess. The Reuters agency reported that she has not managed to contact the Rafale fighter producer so far.

Reuters at the same time points out that the West first confirmed that in the shootings Pakistan used fighters produced in China. J-10 is one of the basic models of Chinese fighters produced so far in several hundred copies. Their combat use by Pakistan is one of the first opportunities for experts to assess the combat capabilities of these machines.

The weakness of the India Air Force

The French daily “Le Monde” estimates that fighters lost during the attack on Pakistan show the weakness of India air force. India has been trying to modernize and strengthen their air force for many years, but these efforts do not bring the intended results.

Indian aviation has about 30 combat squadrons, and most of their equipment is SU-30 and MiG-21 aircraft produced by the Soviet Union. Four squadrons consist of even older British -French Jaguar aircraft – We France These machines have not been flying since 2008 – and depleted Mirage 2000 from the 1980s. In addition, India has only small amounts of more modern machines: Tenas fighters and 36 Rafale fighters bought from France.

In addition to disposing of not the latest equipment, Indian pilots are also not seasoned in battle. The committee responsible for reporting on the state of the Air Force appealed in 2024 to buy simulators so that the pilots had a chance to take part in training. In addition, the production of Indian Tenas fighters is delayed and it is not clear whether these machines are already in full combat readiness. Pakistani pilots are in a slightly better situation because they participate in many anti -terrorist missions, which aim to destroy rebel bases.