Pakistan’s growing military cooperation with China has given it a strategic edge in the latest border tensions with India, translating joint defence efforts into real-time battlefield advantage.

Chinese-supplied J-10C fighter jets and PL-15 long-range missiles reportedly downed multiple Indian aircraft—an outcome that drew global media attention.

Major outlets in the US, UK, and France acknowledged that Chinese weaponry proved highly effective when operated by Pakistani forces.

According to The Economist, this marked China’s first major combat test, which it “passed with flying colours.”

Military analysts noted that India’s expensive French-made Rafale jets underperformed during the conflict, while China’s advanced air defense systems, drones, and hypersonic missile technology helped Pakistan gain the upper hand.

Meanwhile, the co-produced JF-17 Thunder fighter jets also received international praise for their performance, further highlighting the strength of the China-Pakistan defence partnership.