India-Pakistan Tensions Soar: First Rafale Loss, PL-15 Missiles, and Escalating Air Strikes
May 7, 2025
The successful deployment of J-10 fighter jets by Pakistan to intercept Indian aircraft marks a notable achievement in its military operations, showcasing advanced Chinese military technology.
Tensions between India and Pakistan have escalated significantly, particularly after Pakistan reportedly utilized Chinese-made weapons against India, leading to a surge in Chinese defense stocks.
In response to a massacre in Kashmir, India launched missile strikes targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, while Pakistan claims to have shot down multiple Indian jets during aerial engagements.
The conflict has heightened the risk of escalation between these nuclear-armed nations, with both sides making competing claims about aerial victories and losses.
AVIC Chengdu Aircraft's shares surged by 40% following Pakistan's claims of using its J-10C jets to shoot down Indian fighter jets, including advanced French-made Rafale aircraft.
This conflict underscores a broader geopolitical shift, with China challenging U.S. influence in South Asia, while India increasingly aligns with the U.S. as a strategic partner.
The long-standing diplomatic and military relationship between China and Pakistan, established in 1951, remains crucial as tensions in South Asia continue to rise.
The PL-15 missile, which features advanced AESA technology and has a range of up to 185 miles, is designed to compete with U.S. missiles, indicating a significant upgrade for Pakistan's aerial combat capabilities.
Pakistan has emerged as the largest importer of Chinese arms, accounting for over 60% of China's arms exports from 2020 to 2024, highlighting the deep military ties between the two nations.
The situation has drawn significant attention from Washington, which is closely monitoring Beijing's military strength and its implications for potential conflicts in the Indo-Pacific region.
Experts caution that India's potential losses in this conflict could stem from tactical failures rather than solely the effectiveness of Chinese weapons, reflecting the complexities of modern warfare.
Recent footage released shows warplanes, including the JF-17 fighter equipped with PL-15 missiles, which have been dubbed the 'PAF’s potent punch' in this ongoing conflict.
Summary based on 5 sources
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Sources

South China Morning Post • May 2, 2025
Pakistan showcases advanced Chinese weapons amid escalating tensions with India
The War Zone • May 7, 2025
China’s PL-15 Air-To-Air Missile Appears To Have Been Used In Combat For The First Time