New Delhi: In the wake of Operation Sindoor, where Indian Air Force (IAF) Rafale jets executed precision strikes on terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the spotlight is back on the air power balance between India and Pakistan. The Indian armed forces conducted precision missile strikes on nine targets under ‘Operation Sindoor’, four in Pakistan and five in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir.The targets were chosen by the IAF after receiving intelligence inputs about terror camps operating under the guise of health centres to evade detection at these sites, officials said on Wednesday.
The success of Operation Sindoor reveals a clear technological and operational edge for India when India’s Rafale and Pakistan’s F-16 and JF-series jets are put head to head. The Rafale, classified as a 4.5-generation fighter, is the most advanced aircraft in the IAF arsenal. India’s Rafales feature 13 India-specific enhancements, including the Meteor beyond-visual-range (BVR) missile, advanced electronic warfare suites, and superior radar and communication systems. The Rafale’s Thales RBE2 AESA radar and frontal stealth capabilities offer unmatched situational awareness and survivability. Under US agreements, Pakistan cannot use F-16s or their American-supplied munitions for offensive operations against India; their deployment is limited to counter-terrorism and internal defense roles.
The fleet, numbering around 75, faces maintenance challenges due to financial constraints and US oversight, limiting operational availability. While F-16s excel in dogfights and are equipped with AIM-120C5 AMRAAM missiles, they lack the advanced electronic warfare and BVR capabilities of the Rafale. The JF-17 Thunder, co-developed by Pakistan and China, forms the backbone of the Pakistan Air Force (PAF). While cost-effective and versatile, the JF-17 is a lightweight, single-engine jet with performance and sensor limitations compared to the Rafale.
Operation Sindoor showcased India’s ability to strike with precision and depth, leveraging the Rafale’s advanced capabilities. In contrast, Pakistan’s F-16 fleet is hampered by US-imposed restrictions and maintenance issues, while the JF-17, though modernised, cannot match the Rafale’s performance envelope. The IAF’s technological edge and freedom of use provide India with a decisive advantage in the region.
