The phrase “I want the Rafale” may go down in PAF history as a symbol ofboth confidence and capability
*Islamabad | August 2, 2025* — A new report published by Reuters has sentshockwaves across South Asia, revealing how a dramatic escalation betweenthe Pakistan Air Force (PAF) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) on May 7, 2025,resulted in a swift and lethal Pakistani response that ended with thedowning of three Indian Rafale jets.
According to senior defense sources cited by Reuters, the incident unfoldedas Indian Air Force Rafales crossed into radar range near the Line ofControl (LoC), triggering immediate high-alert protocols within PAF airdefense networks. The report highlights a now-viral moment: the PAF AirChief reportedly issued a direct and unequivocal order — “I want theRafale.”A Calculated Response
Within minutes of the Indian aircraft being detected, the PAF scrambledmultiple interceptors, including the domestically integrated JF-17 BlockIII and Chinese-built J-10C fighter jets. Among them, it was a J-10C thateventually locked onto the Rafale pair. Using long-range PL-15 air-to-airmissiles guided by advanced AESA radar and networked surveillance assets,the Chinese-built fighter successfully neutralized the threat, resulting inwhat Pakistan claims were three confirmed kills.
Sources within Pakistan’s defense establishment assert that the Indian jetslaunched Missile Attack, prompting a military obligation to intercept andneutralize. The incident marks one of the first real-world combatengagements between Chinese 4.5-gen aircraft and French-origin Rafales.Background: The May 7 Encounter
The May 7 dogfight has been a point of media debate in both countries.Indian officials initially denied any aircraft losses. However, leakedsatellite imagery and intercepted radio chatter later suggested significantdamage and emergency response activity on the Indian side, particularlynear the IAF base in Pathankot.
Earlier independent defense analysts had reported unusually high airactivity in Northern Pakistan and Indian-administered Kashmir that day.Eyewitnesses from villages along the LoC described “explosions in the sky”and “fast-moving jets” around mid-morning on May 7.
While India continues to maintain strategic silence on the specifics of theencounter, Pakistan’s Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) confirmed onMay 8 that an “aggressive aerial maneuver” had been successfully deterredand that “enemy aircraft were engaged and neutralized.”The Rise of the J-10C in PAF
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This latest confrontation has also elevated the status of the J-10C withinPAF ranks. Previously considered a complement to the JF-17, the J-10C’sperformance has now cemented its frontline role. Equipped with electronicwarfare suites, advanced sensors, and long-range missile systems, theaircraft proved its worth against India’s prized Rafales, which were seenas a game-changer in South Asia when they were inducted in 2020.Strategic Implications
The incident not only highlights the rapidly shifting aerial balance in theregion but also raises serious concerns about miscalculation andescalation. Analysts believe that the PAF Chief’s decisive tone — “I wantthe Rafale” — reflects a policy of zero tolerance for perceived incursions,especially amid rising border tensions and recent military drills by bothsides.
According to Reuters, diplomatic backchannel communications between the twonuclear-armed nations were activated within hours of the shootdown toprevent further deterioration.
Defense analyst Dr. Maleeha Kamal notes:
“This incident, if verified fully, marks a turning point in the region’sairpower dynamics. Pakistan has now shown that it can decisively counterIndia’s Rafales, which until now were considered untouchable.”
As of now, the Indian Ministry of Defence has not officially acknowledgedany aircraft loss. However, media blackouts and restricted airspace nearmultiple airbases in Punjab on May 7 and 8 suggest that some form ofmilitary mishap occurred.