In recent days, French and Russian fighter jets have suffered significant losses at the hands of Pakistani and Ukrainian forces, raising questions about the effectiveness of these advanced aerial systems and the reputation of their manufacturers.

On May 7, 2025, Pakistan announced that it had shot down five Indian fighter jets during an Indian air operation called "Operation Sindoor," which targeted sites in Pakistan and Kashmir. According to the Pakistani military spokesperson, the downed aircraft included three French-made Rafale jets, as well as two Russian-made fighters: a Su-30MKI and a MiG-29.

A few days earlier, on May 3, 2025, Ukraine's military intelligence agency reported the downing of a Russian Su-30 fighter jet. The incident occurred over the Black Sea near the Russian port of Novorossiysk, marking a historic first in warfare: an unmanned boat successfully destroyed a manned fighter jet.

Weapons Used to Down the Aircraft

Pakistan relied on Chinese-made air defense systems, specifically the HQ-9B surface-to-air missile system, along with J-10C fighters equipped with Chinese PL-15 long-range air-to-air missiles.

Meanwhile, Ukraine deployed a missile fired from an unmanned naval vessel, an unconventional tactic that reflects the rapid evolution of modern warfare strategies.

Reasons for Failure

Some reports suggest that Indian pilots may lack the necessary skills to operate advanced aircraft like the Rafale, potentially contributing to these losses. Additionally, reliance on outdated tactics or poor coordination may have played a role in the failure of the operation.

However, it is also clear that French and Russian aircraft struggled against Chinese defense systems, which demonstrated remarkable effectiveness—signaling a significant advancement in Chinese military technology.

Potential Impact of These Losses

These devastating losses serve as a major blow to the reputation of French and Russian fighter jets, prompting serious doubts about their ability to handle modern battlefield challenges.

Whether the cause was India’s operational shortcomings, flaws in the aircraft designs, or the superior performance of Chinese weapons and Ukraine’s innovative tactics, these events underscore the urgent need to reassess military strategies and aerial combat technologies moving forward.