In a rare and provocative demonstration of symbolic solidarity, a Chinese Chengdu J-10C fighter jet was recently photographed bearing “kill marks” of Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft and an Israeli-made surveillance drone. The markings, painted just below the cockpit, depict silhouettes of Indian Rafale, Su-30MKI, and MiG-29 fighter jets, as well as a Heron MALE (Medium Altitude Long Endurance) drone—none of which were reportedly downed by China. Instead, these assets are believed to have been neutralized by Pakistan Air Force (PAF) J-10C jets during a recent escalation of hostilities between India and Pakistan.
The unusual display—by a People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF) fighter—has sparked a flurry of analysis and speculation among defense experts and geopolitical observers. It is widely interpreted as a symbolic tribute to Pakistan’s aerial victories, as well as a signal of the growing depth of military cooperation between Beijing and Islamabad.
“Kill marks,” popularized during World War II, are small emblems painted on the fuselage of fighter aircraft to commemorate confirmed aerial victories. While originally rooted in morale and tradition, these symbols have evolved into powerful indicators of a fighter’s combat record—and more recently, of national or alliance narratives.
The presence of six Indian-themed kill marks on a Chinese jet—three Rafales, one Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, and one Heron drone—presents a clear message: the Chinese J-10C, though not directly involved in combat against India, stands as a proxy for the shared capabilities and strategic camaraderie of China and Pakistan.
What makes this display especially provocative is its timing and precision. The recent aerial confrontation between the Indian and Pakistani air forces in May 2025 reportedly resulted in the downing of multiple Indian aircraft, according to Pakistani officials. The marks on the Chinese fighter jet appear to correspond directly to these reported engagements.
On the night of May 6–7, 2025, a major aerial clash erupted along the Line of Control (LoC), triggered by escalating tensions in the Kashmir region. Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif later announced that six Indian combat aircraft were shot down during the engagements, in addition to an Israeli-built Heron drone.
Among the aircraft allegedly downed were three French-made Rafale multirole fighters, one Russian-designed Su-30MKI, one MiG-29, and a Mirage 2000. The drone was reportedly operating along the LoC when it was intercepted and neutralized by PAF aircraft.
“The sixth Indian fighter was a Mirage 2000,” Sharif said during a press briefing, adding that it was brought down near Pampore, east of Srinagar, during high-altitude night operations. The Pakistan Air Force claims it achieved these kills using the PL-15 long-range missile system integrated on its Chinese-supplied J-10C fighters.
India has neither confirmed nor denied the full extent of these losses. In response to press inquiries, Indian Air Marshal A.K. Bharti delivered a terse statement: “We are in a state of war. Losses are part of combat,” while declining further elaboration.
This non-committal stance has fueled speculation that New Delhi is suppressing details to avoid political backlash or morale issues within the IAF and Indian public.
The J-10C “Vigorous Dragon” is the backbone of both PLAAF and PAF’s modern tactical air forces. It is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter designed and manufactured by Chengdu Aircraft Industry Group, featuring state-of-the-art avionics, AESA radar, and electronic warfare capabilities. Its agility, digital fly-by-wire system, and high survivability make it a formidable platform in contested airspace.
Perhaps more critical is the integration of the PL-15 long-range air-to-air missile—arguably one of the most advanced BVR (Beyond Visual Range) missile systems in service today. Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 4 and equipped with an Active Electronically Scanned Array radar seeker, the PL-15 is optimized for engagements against both conventional and stealth aircraft at ranges over 200 km.
“The PL-15 is a game-changer,” said retired U.S. Air Force officer and analyst Lt. Col. Richard Jennings. “It puts China’s and Pakistan’s fighters on a par—if not ahead—of Western platforms equipped with the AIM-120D or Meteor missile.”
According to regional sources, the PL-15’s role in the May 2025 engagements was decisive. Pakistani J-10Cs are said to have leveraged superior situational awareness and the PL-15’s reach to engage Indian fighters beyond their own effective firing range, turning the encounter into a one-sided standoff.
The visual tribute on the Chinese J-10C is more than a morale booster—it’s a political message. With both Pakistan and China locked in long-standing rivalries with India, the gesture serves to deepen their strategic alignment.
Pakistan first inducted its J-10C fighters in March 2022, with an initial delivery of six aircraft to Minhas Airbase, forming the No. 15 “Cobras” Squadron. The acquisition was a direct response to India’s purchase of 36 Rafale fighters from France, aimed at restoring parity in regional air power. Since then, Islamabad has continued to invest in the J-10C program, with reports suggesting plans to expand the fleet to 60 aircraft.
The display of kill marks by a PLAAF jet—acknowledging kills by another nation—remains highly unusual in modern military aviation, particularly for a state as image-conscious as China. But the message is unmistakable: Beijing endorses and celebrates the combat successes of its closest strategic partner in South Asia.
“This is a symbolic act of alliance. China is telling the world that Pakistani victories are also Chinese victories,” said Major General Li Chen (Ret.), a former PLAAF officer and strategic advisor.
India’s reticence on the issue has drawn criticism from some domestic analysts who argue that transparency is essential to public trust and military credibility. Others interpret the silence as a tactical decision meant to preserve strategic ambiguity.
“The ambiguity serves a purpose,” explained Indian defense journalist Radhika Menon. “By neither confirming nor denying the losses, India keeps its adversaries guessing about the true extent of damage and retaliatory plans.”
Still, the perception of losses has had ramifications. Within international defense circles, India’s reported inability to defend against coordinated BVR strikes by Pakistan’s modernized fleet raises concerns about potential vulnerabilities in IAF readiness and doctrine.
If verified, the loss of multiple high-end platforms like Rafales and Su-30MKIs in a single engagement would represent one of the most significant blows to India’s air power in decades.
The episode also ties into broader geopolitical dynamics. Both India and China are vying for influence across the Indo-Pacific, with air power playing a critical role. China’s development and export of the J-10C—paired with its PL-15 missile system—demonstrate not only technical prowess but also its expanding influence in shaping the region’s military balance.
The deployment of J-10Cs across all five PLAAF theater commands further underscores the aircraft’s versatility and strategic importance. From the Taiwan Strait in the east to the Himalayan borders in the west, these fighters are positioned to respond to flashpoints across China’s periphery.
In this context, the kill marks on a Chinese fighter could be seen as an assertion of deterrence—not only to India but also to any regional actor contemplating military escalation against China or its allies.
What began as a simple visual—a row of painted silhouettes—has quickly turned into a powerful narrative of emerging alliance strength. For China and Pakistan, it is a declaration of strategic partnership in both form and function. For India, it presents a sobering reminder of the evolving challenges it faces on both its eastern and western fronts.
Whether the kill marks were intended purely as a morale gesture or as part of a broader information campaign, their impact is undeniable. They have put a spotlight on the growing military convergence between Beijing and Islamabad and raised uncomfortable questions in New Delhi about the adequacy of its air defenses and combat readiness.
