ISLAMABAD: While Chinese-made fighter jets garnered attention after the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) shot down six Indian jets, including the advanced French Rafale, a crucial indigenous technology played a pivotal role in this unprecedented feat.
A source close to the operation revealed that even China sought details on how Pakistan achieved this success. The PAF recognized its limitations after India inducted Rafale jets, losing the “first shot” advantage. Though Pakistan’s J10-C jets were a response, they were insufficient alone.
The turning point came with Air Chief Marshal Zaheer Ahmad Babar’s appointment in March 2021. He prioritized developing multi-domain warfare capabilities—integrating air, land, sea, space, cyber, and electromagnetic spectrum operations.
The PAF developed an indigenous Data Link system that integrated radars and systems from various countries, overcoming the challenge of coordinating diverse technologies. This integration enabled real-time imagery, cyber warfare, drone surveillance, and precision strikes, all coordinated through secure communications.
On the night of April 28-29, the system successfully detected and tracked Rafale jets over Indian-occupied Kashmir, jamming their systems and forcing them to retreat. Later, during the May 6-7 missile strikes, Pakistani pilots, guided by this integrated system and ground support, shot down Rafale jets with pinpoint accuracy.
The operation marked the first combat downing of a Rafale and demonstrated the superiority of China-Pakistan technological cooperation, with Pakistan’s indigenous systems proving crucial.
A PAF officer described the loss of six jets as a severe blow to India’s air force. While celebrating the victory, Pakistan prepares for future challenges.
