INDIAN AIR FORCE: A MULTI-PLATFORM STRATEGY
Dassault Rafale
The Tip of the Spear
The 4.5-gen Rafale was tasked with the most critical deep-penetration missions, successfully launching SCALP cruise missiles from standoff ranges to hit high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Key Feature: Advanced SPECTRA EW suite allowed it to bypass and suppress enemy air defenses.
Result: Mission success. Subject of a hostile disinformation campaign due to its effectiveness.
Sukhoi Su-30MKI
The Air Dominance Workhorse
The Su-30MKI maintained air superiority and launched devastating strikes. Its super-maneuverability allowed it to evade Chinese-made missiles while its weapons destroyed strategic targets.
Key Feature: Launched BrahMos-A supersonic missiles, destroying three strategic Pakistani airbases.
Result: Decisive impact. Confirmed air-to-air kills and reaffirmed its status as a frontline platform.
PAKISTAN AIR FORCE: THE CONTESTED CHAMPION
PAC/CAC JF-17 Thunder
Outmatched and Exposed
The PAF's workhorse, the JF-17 was unable to prevent IAF deep strikes or meaningfully challenge for air superiority. The conflict highlighted the aircraft's limitations against a technologically superior, better-integrated force.
Key Limitation: Lacks the advanced avionics, electronic warfare suites, and weapon systems of its IAF counterparts.
Result: Suffered confirmed losses and failed to achieve its objectives. Exposed significant technological and tactical gaps.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: CAPABILITY ANALYSIS
This radar chart provides a visual comparison of the key platforms across critical performance metrics, revealing the significant technological advantage held by the IAF's fleet.
COMBAT SCORECARD: THE FINAL TALLY
IAF: Confirmed Successes
2+
JF-17s Shot Down (by Rafale & Su-30MKI)
Successfully destroyed all high-value targets and suppressed enemy air defenses.
PAF: Unsubstantiated Claims
5
IAF Jets Claimed (including 3 Rafales)
Claims of shooting down IAF aircraft remain unproven and were effectively rebutted.