PAF J-10CE News, Updates and Discussion

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PAF Honors Squadron That Shot Down Indian Jets​

By Sher AlamPublished Jun 6, 2025 | 3:04 pm

paf squadron cobras

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is set to honor its elite No. 15 Squadron, the “Cobras,” after officially crediting the unit with shooting down six Indian Air Force (IAF) jets during the intense aerial engagement on May 7. The squadron, based in Kamra and flying the advanced J-10C fighters, played a pivotal role in what is now considered one of the largest air battles in South Asian history.



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The confrontation began just after midnight, when dozens of IAF fighters appeared on radar screens, prompting a swift response from the PAF. Eighteen Cobras J-10Cs scrambled to intercept, executing a high-risk mission against a large Indian formation. According to the PAF, the Cobras downed three Rafales, a MiG-29, a Mirage-2000, and a Su-30MKI, all with PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles.

The operation was part of Pakistan’s defensive response to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack. The PAF’s strategy relied on advanced electromagnetic spectrum management and coordinated defensive formations, allowing the Cobras to strike with precision and control.





Initially, Indian officials downplayed the losses, but India’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, later admitted to the aircraft losses, attributing them to “tactical errors.” The admission sparked debate and criticism in India.

No. 15 Squadron, established in 1956, has a storied history, including key roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars and the 2019 Operation Swift Retort. The squadron’s transition to the J-10C in 2022 marked its elevation as Pakistan’s frontline aerial strike unit.

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The PAF has announced that the pilots involved in the May 7 engagement will be decorated at a formal ceremony later this month. In a statement, the air force praised the Cobras for their professionalism, courage, and continued legacy of operational excellence.
 
The 6 fighters that Pakistan shot down, did the HQ-9B account for any one of them, or were all of them taken down by the J-10C (5) and JF-17 (1)?
 
The 6 fighters that Pakistan shot down, did the HQ-9B account for any one of them, or were all of them taken down by the J-10C (5) and JF-17 (1)?

The SU-30 was initially reported to have been shot down by the HQ-9B and Mig-29 was shot down by JF-17.
 
So now all 6 are believed to have been shot down by J-10C?

According to latest interview by Pakistani PM, 4 Rafales were shot down by J-10C.

I still believe that Mig-29 were shot down by JF-17 and Shivangi Singh, Rafale pilot was captured by Pakistan.
 

PAF Honors Squadron That Shot Down Indian Jets​

By Sher AlamPublished Jun 6, 2025 | 3:04 pm

paf squadron cobras

The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is set to honor its elite No. 15 Squadron, the “Cobras,” after officially crediting the unit with shooting down six Indian Air Force (IAF) jets during the intense aerial engagement on May 7. The squadron, based in Kamra and flying the advanced J-10C fighters, played a pivotal role in what is now considered one of the largest air battles in South Asian history.



ALSO READ
Pakistan to Get FC-31 Stealth Fighter Jets From China Soon
The confrontation began just after midnight, when dozens of IAF fighters appeared on radar screens, prompting a swift response from the PAF. Eighteen Cobras J-10Cs scrambled to intercept, executing a high-risk mission against a large Indian formation. According to the PAF, the Cobras downed three Rafales, a MiG-29, a Mirage-2000, and a Su-30MKI, all with PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles.

The operation was part of Pakistan’s defensive response to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack. The PAF’s strategy relied on advanced electromagnetic spectrum management and coordinated defensive formations, allowing the Cobras to strike with precision and control.





Initially, Indian officials downplayed the losses, but India’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Anil Chauhan, later admitted to the aircraft losses, attributing them to “tactical errors.” The admission sparked debate and criticism in India.

No. 15 Squadron, established in 1956, has a storied history, including key roles in the 1965 and 1971 wars and the 2019 Operation Swift Retort. The squadron’s transition to the J-10C in 2022 marked its elevation as Pakistan’s frontline aerial strike unit.

ALSO READ
India Approves Stealth Fighter Jet Program Fearing Pakistan’s Upcoming J-35A Aircraft
The PAF has announced that the pilots involved in the May 7 engagement will be decorated at a formal ceremony later this month. In a statement, the air force praised the Cobras for their professionalism, courage, and continued legacy of operational excellence.

Interesting we got 18 out of 20 J-10CEs airborne. That is a 90% availability rate.

That is very impressive
 
Interesting we got 18 out of 20 J-10CEs airborne. That is a 90% availability rate.

That is very impressive
Brand new aircraft have that - eventually has age settles in it will get worse.
However, if CAC is able to transfer more depot level maintenance to Kamra the serviceability will stay at JF-17 levels at around 70-80%.
 
Brand new aircraft have that - eventually has age settles in it will get worse.
However, if CAC is able to transfer more depot level maintenance to Kamra the serviceability will stay at JF-17 levels at around 70-80%.
I work maintenance at a large and critical industrial plant.

Spares, spares, spares. Cannot emphasize it enough. Need to take out engine for a job? Swap in a ready engine, but that's only possible if you have a spare.

I really hope combat assets and their spares are higher up on priority during procurement. I having worked with a large number of Chinese suppliers of various industrial systems, even the OEMs themselves can get their identification of critical and non-critical spares wrong.
 
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