India’s much-touted Operation ‘Sindoor’ ended in disaster after a French-made Rafale fighter jet was shot down by a Chinese J-10C multirole aircraft, according to a report published by a leading German newspaper.
The article claims that the downing of the Rafale during an Indian offensive against Pakistan marks a serious setback for New Delhi and serves as a wake-up call for Western military powers. It adds that Indian pilots faced intense resistance from Pakistani fighter pilots during the operation.
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The report states that India, overconfident in its perceived technological superiority, gravely underestimated Pakistan’s air defense capabilities, particularly the effectiveness of the Chinese J-10C fighters and PL-series air-to-air missiles. The loss of a Rafale jet, the article argues, is not only a blow to India but also a warning sign for European defense strategists.
Meanwhile, a prominent American journal has raised concerns that China’s J-10C could pose a serious threat to the global market for U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets.
According to the American publication, China is actively positioning the J-10C as a viable competitor to the F-16. If Chinese defense firms succeed in disrupting F-16 sales, it could deal a significant blow to the U.S. defense industry.
Both reports highlight the shifting dynamics of modern aerial warfare and underline the growing strategic influence of Chinese military aviation on the global stage.
