Tensions Soar Between Pakistan and India Following Cross-Border Strikes

Following strikes across the border early Wednesday, tensions between Pakistan and India have risen considerably. India claimed the action was a response to an attack in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) that resulted in the deaths of 26 tourists in Pahalgam. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding aircraft shot down.

On Wednesday, India initiated strikes within Pakistan. While specifics of the operation are still unclear, both sides have made claims regarding the loss of aircraft.

Indian officials, along with Western diplomats and various media sources, have reportedly acknowledged the loss of two to three Indian aircraft within India’s boundaries. Pakistan, however, claims a greater number, asserting that its forces downed five Indian planes and at least one drone. Pakistan reports that among the downed aircraft were three Rafale fighter jets made in France, a MIG-29 fighter aircraft, an SU-30 fighter jet, and a Heron drone.

John E Pike, director of GlobalSecurity.org, a US-based research group, posited that surface-to-air or air-to-air missiles could have downed the aircraft, emphasizing that “Pakistan possesses both capabilities.”

Aircraft Pakistan Claims to Have Downed

The aircraft Pakistan says it downed represent significant assets in the Indian Air Force’s arsenal:

Rafale Fighter Jet
  • This modern, twin-engine fighter jet, manufactured by Dassault Aviation of France, can operate from both aircraft carriers and land bases.
  • India recently agreed to purchase an additional 26 Rafales for its navy, supplementing a previous order of 36.
  • Debris identified as an external fuel tank, potentially from Rafale or Mirage aircraft, was discovered in Wuyan, IIOJK. It is currently unconfirmed if this debris relates to an aircraft downed.
MIG-29 Fighter Aircraft
  • This Soviet-designed, twin-engine fighter was developed to counter American fighters such as the F-16.
  • Introduced in the 1980s, it has been widely exported and is in use by over 30 nations.
  • Primarily designed for air-to-air combat, certain variants can also strike ground targets.
  • Experts indicate that the MIG-29 often competes with the F-16 in international arms sales.
SU-30 Fighter Jet
  • This large, twin-engine fighter jet was developed in the Soviet Union by Russia’s Sukhoi Aviation in the 1990s.
  • Capable of both air-to-air combat and ground attack missions, the SU-30 is considerably larger than the MIG-29.
Heron Drone
  • The Heron drone is part of a family of unmanned aerial vehicles made in Israel.
  • Assessments from the US government suggest that India has at least one version of this drone.