China has officially confirmed that its J-10CE fighter jet achieved its first combat success during the May 2025 military confrontation between India and Pakistan, marking a notable milestone for Beijing’s indigenous defence technology.
According to Chinese state media, the J-10CE aircraft successfully shot down multiple enemy fighter jets during the four-day standoff without sustaining any losses. The reports described the outcome as a demonstration of the aircraft’s operational effectiveness and reliability under real combat conditions, highlighting the maturity of China’s domestically developed aviation platforms.
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During the same confrontation, Pakistani officials stated that their air force downed six Indian aircraft, including advanced fighter jets such as the Rafale. India later acknowledged that it had suffered aircraft losses, though it did not disclose specific numbers or the types of jets involved.
Defence analysts say the clash offered a rare real-world scenario in which Chinese-made fighter jets were used against Western-designed aircraft. This has drawn significant international attention, particularly toward the J-10CE and the jointly produced JF-17, as their battlefield performance is now being closely studied.
The reported success has also boosted Pakistan’s standing in the global defence market. Analysts note that interest is growing among countries seeking to modernise their air forces with cost-effective alternatives to Western fighter jets, especially after seeing Chinese platforms perform in live combat conditions.
