ISLAMABAD: In the early hours past midnight on May 7, 2025, tension grippedthe Combat Operations Centre at Pakistan Air Force Headquarters inIslamabad as radar screens detected a large formation of Indian Air Forcefighters approaching with aggressive intent. This marked the beginning ofone of the largest aerial engagements in South Asia in over half a century,involving more than 120 aircraft from both sides following India’sOperation Sindoor launched in response to the Pahalgam attack.
The Pakistan Air Force swiftly responded, scrambling its elite No. 15Squadron, known as the Cobras, based at PAF Base Minhas in Kamra. Pilotingthe advanced Chengdu J-10C fighters, 18 out of the squadron’s 20 aircraftparticipated in a high-risk intercept operation. According to official PAFaccounts, the Cobras successfully downed six Indian aircraft, includingthree Rafale jets, one MiG-29, one Mirage-2000, and one Su-30MKI, all usingPL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles.
This operation showcased the effectiveness of the J-10C’s AESA radar,advanced data links, and long-range weaponry. The Cobras executed acalculated bait-and-counter strategy, deploying four defensive counter-airformations while monitoring over 60 Indian aircraft through electromagneticspectrum management systems. The shift from containment to ensured killsminimised Pakistani losses while maximising impact on the intruding force.
Senior PAF officers described the engagement as fought on Pakistan’s terms,with a fully operational kill chain enabling precise executions.Prioritising Rafale jets, seen as the pride of the Indian fleet since their2019 induction, the Cobras targeted them first to undermine India’sperceived game-changer advantage. The squadron’s pilots demonstratedexceptional accuracy and control throughout the intense hour-long battle.
Nearly a month later, on June 5, the PAF formally credited the Cobras withthe six kills in an official statement praising their heritage andprofessionalism. The squadron, with roots tracing back to historicvictories in 1965, including Flight Lieutenant Imtiaz Bhatti’s downings,has evolved into a symbol of aerial superiority equipped with4.5-generation fighters.
The Cobras’ legacy includes key roles in the 1971 war and patrols duringthe Soviet-Afghan conflict. More recently, in 2019’s Operation SwiftRetort, they contributed to Pakistan’s measured response to India’s Balakotstrike. Transitioning to J-10C in 2022 marked a significant upgrade,enhancing capabilities in air superiority and precision strikes from olderMirage aircraft.
Current PAF Chief Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar Sidhu, a formerCobras commander, personally oversaw operations from Islamabad that night.Sources indicate the involved pilots, among the force’s finest, areexpected to receive honours in a ceremony later this month, with theirnames soon to be publicised.
Initial Indian responses downplayed losses, with Air Marshal AK Bhartistating on May 11 that casualties occur in war and all pilots returnedsafely. However, at the Shangri-La Dialogue on May 31, Chief of DefenceStaff General Anil Chauhan acknowledged losses due to strategic errors,sparking domestic criticism in India.
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The engagement highlighted advancements in modern air warfare, withPakistan’s integrated systems proving effective against a numericallysuperior formation. The Cobras’ performance reinforced PAF’s operationalreadiness and deterrence posture in regional security dynamics.
At Kamra base, an atmosphere of pride mingled with professional gravityprevails as the squadron prepares for potential future challenges. The PAFstatement concluded by affirming the Cobras’ unwavering strength andsuperior military expertise throughout their illustrious history.
Source:https://www.dawn.com/news/1915722
Tags: Pakistan Air Force, No. 15 Squadron, J-10C, Indian Air Force, Rafale,Operation Sindoor, Pahalgam Attack
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