In military aviation, a close-range aerial battle between
fighter aircraft is known as a “dogfight.” The longest dogfight on record
occurred during World War II, lasting approximately 52 minutes. However, a
recent escalation between the Indian and Pakistani air forces is now being
described as the longest dogfight in modern history, stretching close to a full
hour.
Before diving into the details of this unprecedented
engagement, it’s important to understand the context leading up to it.
The 2019 Skirmish: A
Turning Point
In February 2019, a significant turning point occurred when
the Indian Air Force attempted a cross-border strike, which was swiftly
countered by the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). Pakistan not only shot down a MiG-21
fighter jet but also captured Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman. This
incident deeply embarrassed India on the global stage.
Following the incident, intense debate erupted in India.
Analysts and former military officials criticized the Indian Air Force for
relying on outdated jets like the MiG-29, often dubbed “Flying Coffins,” while
Pakistan fielded modern fighters like the F-16 and JF-17 Thunder.
This pressure eventually compelled Indian leadership to
modernize their air force. Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself remarked,
"Had we had Rafales, this wouldn't have happened."
The Arms Race:
Rafales, S-400s, and Israeli Drones
India turned to France, procuring 36 Rafale jets—classified
as 4.5-generation aircraft and regarded as among the world’s most advanced
after the American F-35 (5th generation). India initially sought the F-35 from
the United States, but Washington reportedly refused, citing that Indian pilots
were not yet proficient enough to handle such sophisticated technology.
After acquiring Rafales, India further bolstered its defense
by purchasing Russia’s S-400 air defense system—an advanced and highly capable
missile system. Despite tensions with the U.S. over this deal, India proceeded
and finalized the acquisition. Later, India signed an agreement with Israel to
purchase state-of-the-art drones.
From 2019 to 2025, India aggressively modernized its aerial
arsenal with the goal of establishing air superiority over Pakistan.
Pakistan's Counter
Strategy: Precision over Quantity
Meanwhile, Pakistan strategically enhanced its capabilities
through cooperation with China. It acquired J-10C fighter jets and PL-15
air-to-air missiles. The PL-15 is a supersonic missile, traveling five times
faster than the speed of sound and capable of hitting targets from a range of
up to 300 kilometers. Moreover, these missiles were integrated with
satellite-based targeting systems, giving Pakistan a significant tactical edge.
The Historic Dogfight
Begins
India launched a large aerial maneuver involving nearly 80
fighter jets directed toward Pakistani airspace. However, unbeknownst to them,
Pakistan had already established a satellite-linked defensive grid with Chinese
assistance. As Indian aircraft approached, Pakistan activated its PL-15
missiles.
These missiles were so advanced that by the time Indian
pilots realized they were being targeted, the missiles were only 50 kilometers
away—distance the PL-15 can cover in just 8 seconds. This left the Indian
pilots with virtually no time to react, evade, or retreat.
Indian Retreat and
Strategic Losses
One after another, Indian fighter jets were hit, with
wreckage falling inside Indian territory—particularly in Punjab and Jammu &
Kashmir. The remaining aircraft turned back to avoid further losses. Notably,
Pakistan conducted this operation without crossing into Indian airspace,
signaling strategic restraint and control.
To mask its losses, India launched retaliatory drone attacks
on Pakistani border areas, deploying 30 drones on the first day and 48 on the
second.
May 10 — The Decisive
Strike
On the morning of May 10, shortly after dawn, Pakistan
launched a massive counter-offensive. According to Indian media, the PAF fired
600 drones and 100 missiles into Indian territory. The attacks destroyed major
Indian airstrips near the border, the Indian military headquarters in Jammu
& Kashmir, and a key missile depot in Udhampur. Pakistani drones reportedly
reached as far as Delhi.
Pakistan didn’t stop there—it also launched a cyberattack
that disrupted airline databases, disabled power grids, and paralyzed railway
systems, plunging India into a state of chaos and panic.
Global Repercussions
and Ceasefire
Facing massive internal disruption, India urgently sought
diplomatic support. It reached out to the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey to
mediate with Pakistan. China's foreign minister publicly declared full support
for Pakistan, further isolating India.
In desperation, India requested U.S. intervention. President
Trump reportedly made urgent contact with Islamabad and pushed for an immediate
ceasefire.
The next day, the Indian military held three press
conferences, all reiterating their desire to de-escalate. By 5 PM, the Indian
government unilaterally announced a ceasefire—hours before Pakistan made any
formal statement, effectively signaling a tacit admission of defeat.
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