FIGHTERS UED BY US, NATO SUFFER AN HISTORICAL DEFEAT IN AERIAL COMBAT WITH A CHINESE FIGHTER FOR THE FIRST TIME
Long before Rafale or F 16 jets may even be able to identify the approach of an J10 fighter, they can be shot out of the sky using its long range, super fast missiles, it appears.
From media
Adramatic aerial confrontation over South Asia is sparking concern within NATO, after three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets were reportedly shot down by Chinese-made Chengdu J-10s operated by Pakistan during a simulated air engagement on May 7.
Former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary and leading military strategist Dr. Stephen Bryen called the event “bad news for NATO,” warning that it reveals a potential edge in Chinese missile technology over Western air power — particularly in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.
The Rafale, a flagship multi-role fighter used by India, France, Greece, and other NATO allies, is widely considered among the most capable aircraft in the West’s arsenal. Its versatility spans air superiority, deep strike missions, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.
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dramatic aerial confrontation over South Asia is sparking concern within NATO, after three Indian Air Force Rafale fighter jets were reportedly shot down by Chinese-made Chengdu J-10s operated by Pakistan during a simulated air engagement on May 7.
Former U.S. Deputy Defense Secretary and leading military strategist Dr. Stephen Bryen called the event “bad news for NATO,” warning that it reveals a potential edge in Chinese missile technology over Western air power — particularly in beyond-visual-range (BVR) combat.
The Rafale, a flagship multi-role fighter used by India, France, Greece, and other NATO allies, is widely considered among the most capable aircraft in the West’s arsenal. Its versatility spans air superiority, deep strike missions, reconnaissance, and nuclear deterrence.
But according to Bryen, that reputation was challenged during Wednesday’s engagement.
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The one-hour simulated clash took place in Pakistani airspace, where the Pakistani Air Force deployed its Chinese-built J-10C fighters, equipped with PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. These advanced BVR missiles — seen as China’s answer to the U.S. AIM-120D AMRAAM — are believed to have a range of up to 300 kilometers and can reach speeds approaching Mach 5.
The Indian Rafales, in contrast, were equipped with SCALP cruise missiles and MICA air-to-air missiles, the latter known for reliability and used by the Hellenic Air Force since the early 2000s. However, MICA’s range (roughly 60–80 kilometers) left Indian pilots at a distinct disadvantage in the BVR domain.
Military analysts note that this was not a close-range dogfight but a long-range engagement, where missile range and radar capability play a decisive role. At least one MICA missile was found near one of the Rafale crash sites, suggesting it failed to neutralize its target.
https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/05/12/bad-news-for-nato-us-defense-expert-raises-alarm-after-chinese-j-10s-down-three-indian-rafales-in-a-day/
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