*The Economist highlights Chinese tech edge, Indian tactical errors, andquestions over Dassault’s performance during recent air skirmishes*
*By Our Correspondent | July 18, 2025*
ISLAMABAD – The recent aerial conflict between India and Pakistan has casta shadow over India’s prized Rafale fighter jets, with *The Economist*reporting that both Indian strategic missteps and Chinese military supportto Pakistan contributed to the downing of Indian aircraft.
According to the report, the early advantage in the conflict seeminglybelonged to Pakistan due to its deployment of Chinese-origin J-10C fightersarmed with advanced PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles. Intelligenceinputs suggest that Pakistan may have also received real-time targeting andearly warning support from China, giving it a tactical edge.
Foreign defense analysts suggest that India may have miscalculatedPakistan’s aerial response. Notably, Indian Rafale jets were reportedly notequipped with their full capabilities during the initial night of theconflict. “One theory is that Indian Rafales did not carry Meteor missiles,assuming they wouldn’t be challenged at long range. Others speculate theylacked updated jamming systems and critical mission data,” *The Economist*stated.
Another possible oversight was India’s apparent underestimation ofPakistan’s upgraded electronic warfare capabilities. Experts point to theabsence of real-time tactical awareness and inadequate mission data, whichmay have hindered India’s ability to counter Pakistan’s aircraft andintercept incoming missiles.
The fallout from the episode could have wide-reaching consequences,particularly for India’s upcoming multibillion-dollar tender for 114fighter jets. French defense contractor Dassault, the maker of Rafale, isamong the top contenders, alongside Sweden’s Saab (Gripen), and U.S. giantsBoeing (F/A-18) and Lockheed Martin (F-21).
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However, within sections of the Indian military, dissatisfaction isreportedly growing over the Rafales’ performance. Some officers havequestioned whether the aircraft lived up to its expectations, while othershave expressed frustration over Dassault’s reluctance to share key softwaresource codes—preventing India from fully customizing the jets to its ownrequirements.
Since the conflict, Chinese diplomats have reportedly begun a covertcampaign to promote Chinese-made fighter jets to countries currentlyevaluating Rafale purchases, including Egypt, Indonesia, Qatar, and theUAE. The aim appears to be to position China as a more adaptable andcost-effective defense partner.
Dassault executives are said to be working discreetly to reassure existingand prospective buyers about the Rafale’s performance. However, they remainlimited in what they can publicly disclose due to diplomatic sensitivitieswith India and the uncertain role they are allowed to play in India’sinternal review of the air combat episode.
As India continues to investigate the incident, the findings could reshapeits future defense procurement strategies—and may redefine the geopoliticaldynamics in South Asia’s skies.