Chinese Military Review

Smoke and Steel: Examining Claims of a Rafale Loss in the Bathinda Wreckage

2025-05-07T02:34:00.000-07:00

The strategic air balance in South Asia may be under quiet but dramatic strain, if emerging visual evidence and eyewitness reports surrounding the Bathinda wreckage prove accurate. A growing chorus of open-source analysts and defense watchers suggest that one of the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) most prized assets—the Dassault Rafale—may have been downed, potentially by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), in what would be the first known Rafale combat loss since its induction.

Wreckage Raises Eyebrows

Footage and images circulating online, reportedly taken by local villagers near Bathinda, Punjab, reveal the remnants of an aircraft engine and an adjacent missile launcher. Enthusiasts and defense observers have zeroed in on the engine nozzle, claiming its design—including a distinctive pattern of mounting screws and petal arrangement—is consistent with the Snecma M88 turbofan, which powers the Rafale multirole fighter.

Side-by-side comparisons between this wreckage and known M88 engine components support this theory. Analysts argue that the engine debris differs clearly from the Atar M53 used by the Mirage 2000, eliminating that aircraft type as a likely candidate. Adding fuel to speculation is the identification of a missile rail, allegedly compatible with the Rafale's Meteor or MICA launch system.

Despite this, the Indian Air Force has not issued any formal acknowledgment of a Rafale loss, fueling claims of a deliberate media blackout. Historically, militaries have remained reticent about sensitive high-tech losses, especially when strategic platforms like the Rafale are involved.

The Silent Skirmish: Reconstructing the Possible Engagement

Rumors intensified after a sudden spike in radar jamming and localized airspace lockdowns in late April 2025. Pakistani social media accounts and defense blogs began claiming an unprecedented air clash had taken place. The alleged Pakistani account of the engagement includes:

A retaliatory strike by Pakistan in response to an Indian air incursion.

The use of JF-17 Block III and J-10C aircraft armed with PL-15 Beyond Visual Range (BVR) missiles.

Reported downing of three Rafales, one MiG-29, and a Su-30MKI—the latter claimed to have been targeted by the long-range HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system.

So far, these claims remain unverified by independent or international monitoring agencies, and the IAF has maintained complete silence—neither confirming nor denying any losses.

Strategic Implications

If true, the downing of a Rafale—especially in its early years of Indian service—would be a major blow both strategically and symbolically. The aircraft represents not only a significant financial investment but also a cornerstone of India's future air superiority doctrine.

Pakistan’s reported use of the PL-15, with its estimated 200–300 km range and AESA radar seeker, suggests a potential edge in BVR combat, especially if deployed effectively under integrated command with Chinese-origin J-10C fighters.

Moreover, the alleged use of the HQ-9 SAM to down a Su-30MKI indicates the extension of layered air defense beyond Pakistani airspace, challenging India’s assumptions of aerial dominance in any limited border conflict.

Battlefield Validation: Chinese J-10C, PL-15, and HQ-9 Systems Face Real Combat in South Asia

2025-05-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

In a rapidly evolving theater of operations over South Asia, Chinese-supplied defense systems are seeing what may be their first high-intensity, real-world use—a significant moment for Beijing's defense export credibility. Multiple sources suggest that recent India-Pakistan aerial engagements have involved China-made platforms, including the J-10C multirole fighter, PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile, and the HQ-9 surface-to-air missile system.

Although official confirmation remains sparse, operational patterns and emerging footage indicate the use of these systems in active combat—validating years of Chinese defense R&D on an actual battlefield.

J-10C and PL-15: Tested Against Advanced Opponents

Chinese-origin J-10C fighters, deployed with PL-15 missiles, reportedly participated in intercept missions amid ongoing hostilities between India and Pakistan. These platforms are believed to have engaged advanced adversaries, including Indian Rafale and Su-30MKI fighters.

The PL-15, designed for beyond-visual-range superiority, integrates AESA radar-guided seekers and boasts a range exceeding 200 km—placing it in direct competition with NATO-standard munitions like the Meteor and AIM-120D. Reports from the field suggest these weapons were used in live combat scenarios for the first time, offering rare performance insights in contested electronic environments.

Debut of HQ-9 SAM in Active Combat

In what may be the first recorded combat use of the HQ-9 long-range surface-to-air missile system, the platform reportedly intercepted and downed an incoming Indian fighter aircraft during the latest escalation. The HQ-9—China’s answer to systems like the U.S. Patriot and Russian S-300—was deployed to reinforce air defense coverage near sensitive border zones.

The engagement confirms:

Operational deployment of Chinese integrated air defense systems (IADS) under wartime pressure.

Target acquisition and tracking performance under jamming and fast-attack conditions.

Kill chain closure in a live fire situation.

The HQ-9’s success—if independently confirmed—would mark a critical validation for countries considering Chinese IADS options.

EW and Sensor Fusion Under Fire

China’s systems not only engaged in kinetic action but also appear to have demonstrated key strengths in Electronic warfare, with the J-10C’s jamming systems disrupting enemy radar locks.

Data fusion, integrating airborne, ground-based, and networked assets for target acquisition. Radar resilience, maintaining operational coherence under cross-domain attack conditions.

Such performance would validate China’s combat systems architecture, not just standalone platforms

Strategic Implications for Global Buyers

The operational debut of Chinese platforms—particularly the HQ-9 and PL-15-equipped J-10C—could significantly shift global buyer perceptions, especially in:

Middle Eastern, African, and Southeast Asian markets looking for alternatives to Western systems.

States seeking cost-effective solutions with credible wartime data.

Partnerships aligned with China’s defense-industrial diplomacy (e.g., Pakistan, Iran, Algeria).

This marks a departure from earlier skepticism around Chinese military exports lacking combat pedigree.

Conclusion: The Chinese Arsenal Gets Its First Test

The events unfolding in South Asia may mark a turning point for Chinese military hardware on the global stage. With the J-10C, PL-15, and HQ-9 systems now reportedly exposed to real-world operational conditions, Beijing’s long-standing ambition to become a top-tier arms exporter may have just taken a significant leap forward—not through claims, but through action under f

Chinese LY-70 Short to Medium Range Mobile Air Defense Missile System—An Innovative Solution to New Era Problems

2025-02-26T05:08:00.000-08:00

China’s state-owned defense giant, CASIC (China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation), has unveiled the LY-70, a groundbreaking mobile air defense system designed to dominate the modern battlefield. Paired with the FB-10A short-range missile, this combo redefines layered defense with unmatched flexibility, firepower, and mobility. Here’s a detailed, human-centric breakdown of its capabilities, drawing from technical manuals, expert interviews, and CASIC’s promotional material.

LY-70: CASIC’s Modular Powerhouse

The LY-70 is built on a rugged 6×6 military truck chassis, prioritizing rapid deployment and off-road agility. Unlike bulkier 8x8 systems, this design balances mobility with payload capacity, allowing it to navigate urban environments and rough terrains alike. The integrated hydraulic suspension system ensures stability during "shoot-and-scoot" operations, critical for evading counterattacks.

Missile Loadout: Quantity Meets Versatility

14 Ready-to-Fire Missiles: The LY-70 carries two distinct missile types in a unique configuration:

LY-70 (Falcon): Medium-range missiles stored in two pods of four each (8 total). These use active radar homing to engage targets up to 40 km away.

FB-10A (Flying Leopard): Short-range, infrared-guided missiles mounted in three clusters of two each (6 total), optimized for low-altitude threats like drones or helicopters within 18 km.

Fire-on-the-Move: CASIC’s promotional video

s highlight the system’s ability to launch missiles while repositioning—a rare feature that enhances survivability in dynamic combat.

Radar & Targeting; 90 km Detection Range: A rear-mounted rotating AESA radar provides 360° coverage, identifying threats like cruise missiles, fixed-wing aircraft, and precision-guided munitions.

Dual Guidance: The LY-70 combines tracking radar with an electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera for all-weather targeting. This dual-system approach reduces vulnerability to jamming; if radar is disrupted, the EO/IR camera maintains lock.

Networked Warfare: While operational as a standalone unit, the LY-70 seamlessly integrates with broader air defense grids, sharing data with HQ-9 or HQ-22 systems for coordinated strikes.

With 14 missiles—nearly double the capacity of rival systems like Russia’s Pantsir-S1—the LY-70 can sustain prolonged engagements without reloading, a decisive advantage against swarm attacks.

FB-10A: The Infrared Guardian ,The FB-10A serves as the LY-70’s close-in partner, focusing on threats that slip through long-range defenses: making it ideal for stealthy strikes against low-flying drones or helicopters.

Launch Flexibility: Mounted on the same 6x6 chassis, the FB-10A’s pods can be reloaded in under 15 minutes, ensuring minimal downtime.

Synergy in Combat: How the Duo Operates

Detection: The LY-70’s radar scans up to 90 km, classifying threats by type and trajectory.

Engagement: High-altitude targets (e.g., cruise missiles) are assigned to LY-70 missiles, while the FB-10A tackles low-altitude intruders.

Saturation Defense: During a swarm attack, both systems fire simultaneously—LY-70s at medium range, FB-10As mopping up “leakers.”

Reload & Reposition: The truck’s modular design allows crews to reload missiles or relocate within minutes, avoiding enemy counterfire.

The LY-70 is like a ‘plug-and-play’ system which can be deployed within minutes and its dual missile types let user adapt without waiting for reinforcements.”

Conclusion: Redefining Mobile Air Defense

The LY-70 isn’t just a missile truck—it is engineered for modern asymmetrical threats. By merging massive firepower, mobility, and networked intelligence, CASIC has crafted a system that challenges Western rivals. As drone warfare evolves, the LY-70/FB-10A offers unique capability to shoot fast, shoot smart, and keep moving.

Spotted: Chinese Heavy Attack Gunship Helicopter

2024-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

Chinese Heavy Attack Gunship Helicopter

New Generation Attack helicopter of People Libration Army appears to have 2 main pylons under each wing and an additional wingtip hard point for carrying Air to air missiles like American AH-1Z cobra helicopter.

Z-10ME Medium Gunships Attack Helicopter for Pakistan Army

2023-07-08T11:21:00.006-07:00

Chinese sources are claiming that Pakistan army will receive unknown quantity of Z-10ME medium attack helicopters in 2023 to replace its aging fleet of AH-1F/S cobra helicopters.

Pakistani Pakistan Army Aviation Corps (PAAC) previously tried to purchase 30 Turkish T129 ATAK attach helicopters for US$1.5 billion to replace its ageing fleet of Bell AH-1F Cobra gunships however United States Department of Defense (DoD) didn't allowed export of LHTEC T800-4A engines required for T-129. Since last year multiple sources from Pakistan and China has claimed that Pakistani military is in talks with China for purchase of improved Z-10ME version to meet its needs.

The Z-10ME offers improvement over original version in multiple fields including lower infrared signature due to raising the engine exhaust nozzle upwards, powerful engine offering better performance and more load ammunition capacity, inlet filtering, additional armor panels for better protection, infrared jamming, and new top-mounted fire control radar is also under development.

Chinese Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) in Action

2023-07-08T10:42:00.003-07:00

Chinese People liberation Army Air Defense uses different type of Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) including Gun-Missile Systems which feature Multi-barrel 25 / 30 /35 mm guns and 4-8 short-range air defense missiles.

Combination of short range surface to air missiles and guns with high rate of fire can effectively counter helicopters, cruise missiles, loitering munitions and tactical drones.

Countries are using cheap drones and loitering munitions in latest conflicts which poses a new challenge for convention air defense systems. Self-Propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun (SPAAG) is a hard kill solution which is already available and can be used effectively if employed in networked environment with early warning data.

China Delivers First batch of J-10C Fighter Jets of Pakistan Air Force (PAF)

2022-03-04T01:43:00.004-08:00

China have delivered first batch of 06 J-10C fighter jets to Pakistan .Air Force (PAF). Above image have confirmed that first 06 J-10C have landed at Kamra Air Base.

Initial reports indicated that Pakistan will purchase at least 25 to 36 J-10C fighter jets but news coming from Pakistan, now indicates that Pakistan is interested in acquiring atleast three squadrons of J-10C fighter jets to meet its demand of front end high tech fighter jets to complement JF-17 thunders.

J-10C will be inducted into No.28 squadron of Pakistan Air Force which have motto of “Khudi Ko Jis Nay Falak Say Buland Ter Dekha”.

Serial number of J-10 which have landed in Pakistan are as below

101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106

Pakistan AirForce (PAF) Acquires Chinese J-10C Fighter Aircraft

2022-02-28T03:23:00.005-08:00

During last week Chinese internet forums have started sharing images of J-10C fighter aircraft with marking of the Pakistan Airforce (PAF) which are equipped with Chinese developed WS-10B Taihang turbofan engines. This makes Pakistan as first country to purchase Chinese 4.5 generation J-10C fighter aircraft. PAF will also be first user of WS-10B engines outside People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF).

Interior Minister of Pakistan, Mr. Skeish Rashid Ahmed have already claimed in December last year that first batch of J-10Cs will be inducted in March 20222 and will participate in Pakistan's Republic Day on 23 March, 2022.

Chinese J-10C is 4.5+ generation fighter aircraft is equipped with radar than the one used by the JF-17 Block 3

Bigger active electronically scanned array (AESA) will allow Pakistan air force to fully exploit long range of PL-15 Long Range Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile (BVRAAM) and newly developed, highly agile PL-10 short range air-to-air missile which is hard to shake off

Pakistani purchase of J-10C doesn't mean that Pakistan Air force will scale back production of JF-17 Block III. When compared to light weight JF_17, medium tech J-10C offers additional capabilities which includes

· Better kinetic performance

· Better maneuverability

· Bigger AESA Radar to fully exploit long range of PL-15

· IRIST sensor for passive detection

· Wide range of already integrated weapons

· Future developments are already underway and costs are by PLAAF

· Better thrust to weight

· Long range

Pakistani J-10C will have new narrow frame holographic HUD (head-up display) and Pakistani specific datalink antenna.

PL-15E Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM)

2021-09-26T11:22:00.005-07:00

China has displayed PL-15E Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM) at its Zhuhai air show 2021. PL-15E use two way data links for midcourse corrections and active radar guidance during terminal phase to target enemy aircrafts. PL-15 is fitted with new active/passive dual mode active electronically scanned array radar (AESA)

Some specifications of PL-15E BVRAAM are as follows;

Length 3996mm
Diameter 203mm
Weight 210kg
Max Range 145km

Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is believed to be the launch customer of PL-15E Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM). JF-17 Thunder Block III fighter jets with AESA radar will be employing both PL-15 BVRAAM and PL-10E WVRAAMs for air superiority missions giving them advantage over American F-16 AM/BM/C/D Block 52M which are armed with AIM-120 AMRAAM BVRAAM and AIM-9M Sidewinder WVRAAM.

Unofficial Art: Navalized J-31 / J-35 for Chinese Navy

2020-05-06T23:27:00.002-07:00

Unofficial art work has appeared on Chinese internet forums depecting possible configuration of Navalized version of FC-31/J-31 aka J-35.

It remains to be seen if this new fighter jet will be compatible with Both CATOBAR And STOBAR ?

If changes will be made to internal weapons bay For carrying additional air to sit and air to ground weapons.

Type 054A/P Frigate Under Construction for Pakistan Navy

2020-04-15T02:17:00.002-07:00

First clear image of Type 054A/P Frigate which is currently under construction at Chinese ship yard for Pakistan Navy.

Pakistan Navy has confirmed last year that PN will purchase total of 4 Type 054 A/P frigates from China.

Pakistani Type 054A/P will be equipped with export SR2410C AESA radar instead of Type 382.

Chinese SG-60 Small Shipborne Fixed Wing UAV

2019-02-18T00:48:00.000-08:00

Type 071E landing platform dock (LPD) for Export

2019-02-17T10:26:00.002-08:00

China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) has displayed model of its Type 071E landing platform dock (LPD) for Export Customers.Type 071E offers large dock space for landing amd takoff three Z-20 medium lift helicopters simultaneously.

Wing Loong I (WD-1K/GJ-1) of People's Liberation Army

2019-02-17T09:25:00.001-08:00

Wing Loong I (WD-1K/GJ-1) Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) of People's Liberation Army Air Force is capable of identifying hostile targets by using its under the chine sensors as well as engaging these targets with weapons under its wings.

Wing Loong I (WD-1K/GJ-1) is capable of carrying different kind of air-to-ground missiles, precision guided munitions including laser-guided and GPS guided bombs.

Maximum Take off Weight 1100kg

Maximum Speed 280 km /hour

Maximum Range 4000 km

Endurance 20 hours

Service Ceiling 5000m

Maximum Weapon load 200kg

Number of UAVs Produced: Over 100

Exported Versions to different countries

Chinese Z-20 Medium Lift Utility Helicopter in Final Stages of Development

2018-03-03T22:14:00.000-08:00

New Images of underdevelopment Chinese 10 ton Z-20 Medium Lift Utility Helicopter suggest that it is in final stages of testing and will soon be ready for operational testing by China's People's Liberation Army. Z-20 Medium Lift Utility Helicopter has already completed its high altitude tests at Xiahe airfield in China's Gansu Province.

Z-20 Medium Lift Utility Helicopter's design bears a strong resemblance with its American counterpart S-70C (export version of Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk) which is in service with People's Liberation Army since 1980s. But Chinese helicopter is certainly not entirely a copy as it employs five-blade main rotor unlike Four-blade main rotor used by American S-70.

Once its development is completed and it is accepted into service, additional versions like Multi-Mission Maritime Helicopter for anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW) and combat search and rescue (CSAR) will also start emerging.

J-15 #104 Lands Safely While One Engine on Fire

2017-08-16T08:50:00.002-07:00

Pilot of J-15 Flying Shark Carrier Borne Fighter Jet of People's Liberation Army Navy (PLA Navy) with serial number 104 was able to lands safely after one of its engine caught file after bird-strike.

Chinese J-10 C Spotted Carrying PL-10 and PL-15 New Generation Air to Air Missile

2017-07-15T22:52:00.003-07:00

J-10 C fighter aircraft has been spotted with Chinese high agility PL-10 5th Generation Within Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile and PL-15 Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile (BVRAAM).

The PL-15 employs improved active radar seeker as well as dual pulse rocket motor to destroy targets at extend range when compared to PL-12 beyond-visual-range missile. Its clipped wings will also means this missile is well suited to be internally carried by fifth generation J-20 fighter jets.

China's Most Powerful Armed Drone CH-5 UAV Makes its First Flight

2017-07-15T20:26:00.002-07:00

CH-5 drone with 8x AR-1 AR-1 supersonic anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) and 8x AR-2 short-range semi-active laser (SAL) air-to-surface missiles

China's Most Powerful Armed Drone CH-5 drone with wingspan of 21 meters and range of more than 10,000 kilometers made is first flight in north China's Hebei Province, July 14, 2017.

The Ch-5 is capable of carrying upto two pairs on outboard pylons of each wing for total of eight 45 kg AR-1 supersonic anti-tank guided missiles with range of 10 km and upto one quad-pack on the inboard pylons of each wing for total of eight 20 kg AR-2 short-range semi-active laser (SAL) air-to-surface missiles with range of 8 km.

CH-5 Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance Combat Aerial Vehicle can stay upto 60 hours in air when on reconnaissance and upto 30 hours when carrying multiple air to surface missiles for destroying targets at ground.

It is designed by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation to conduct reconnaissance and strike missions

The CH-5 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) is 11 m long and has max take-off weight of 3.3 ton with ability to carry 1000 kg of weapons and additional 200 kg of payload in its internal mission bay.

Chinese Z-10 Fierce Thunderbolt (Pi Li Huo, 霹雳火) Attack Helicopters

2017-07-08T07:52:00.002-07:00

Chinese Z-10 Fierce Thunderbolt (Pi Li Huo, 霹雳火) Attack Helicopters

China's Most Powerfull Warship Type 055 Class Renhai Guided Missile Destroyer Launched -II

2017-06-28T19:17:00.002-07:00

China has launched its most powerful warship ever built, 10,000-ton Type 055 Class Guided Missile Destroyer doe People’s Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) at Shanghai’s Jiangnan Shipyard. Stealthy warship is about 180 m long and over 20 meters wide.

Type 055 Renhai is equipped with 130mm H/PJ-38 main gun, Type 1130 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) and 112-128 vertical launch system (VLS) cells to carry HHQ-9 long range surface to air missile (SAM) along with new generation anti-ballistic missile for anti air warfare, CJ-10 land attack cruise missile for land attack role and YJ-18 long range anti-ship missile for anti surface warefare.

Type 055 Class Renhai Guided Missile Destroyers will also be able to carry up-to two Z-18 anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters

China's Most Powerfull Warship Type 055 Class Guided Missile Destroyer Launched -I

2017-06-28T19:08:00.004-07:00

China's Most Powerfull Warship Type 055 Class Guided Missile Destroyer Launched -I

YJ-12 Sea-Skimming Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile

2017-06-27T09:53:00.000-07:00

Very interesting GIF OF YJ-12 Sea-Skimming Supersonic Anti-Ship Missile being launched by Chinese H-6G Badger. While specifications of YJ-12 are not available, details of Its export version called CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile were made public at Airshow China 2016.

China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation (CASIC) has disclosed that CM-302 supersonic anti-ship missile has a range of 280 kilometers with warhead of 250 kgs. Missile is capable of sea-skimming at supersonic speed for most of the flight, with capability to maneuver at terminal stage to avoid hard kill close-in weapon system (CIWS).

China's Most Powerfull Warship Ready for Launch: Chinese Type 055 Class Guided Missile Destroyer

2017-06-26T23:07:00.001-07:00

China's Most Powerfull Warship Ready for Launch: Chinese Type 055 Class Guided Missile Destroyer

MA60H Maritime Patrol Aircraft of China Marine Surveillance

2017-06-22T18:56:00.001-07:00

MA60H Maritime Patrol Aircraft of China Marine Surveillance

Chinese Wing Loong II Medium Altitude Long Endurance Drone at Paris Air Show 2017

2017-06-19T18:39:00.004-07:00

Chinese Wing Loong II Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV at Paris Air Show 2017: 19 to 25 June-Le Bourget. Wing Loong II UCAV is displayed with variety of air to surface precision guided weapons including 47 kg Blue Arrow 7 semi-active laser weapon with range of 7-8 km, TL-2 and AG-300 air-to-ground missiles and the LS-9 Chinese small-diameter bomb and YJ-9E missile.

YJ-9E is offered with radar seeker, TV seeker and semi-active laser seeker for used against maritime targets as well as ground targets. The YJ-9E have maximum speed of Mach 0.7 with range of 25 kilometers.

The 4200 kg Wing Loong II can carry payload of 480 kg and has endurance of over 20 h and has six hard points for weapons.

Chinese Wing Loong II Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV at Paris -Le Bourget