Dogfight Involving 125 Indian and Pakistani Fighters

[MIflyer]

It appears that neither side left its own airspace but did long range air-to-air missile duels.

More than 125 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets reportedly engaged in a dogfight lasting more than an hour in the early hours of Wednesday, according to an unnamed Pakistani security source cited by CNN.

If confirmed, it would mark one of the largest aerial battles since World War II.

The alleged operation, referred to as "Operation Sindhoor," is said to have taken place entirely within the airspace of both countries. CNN reports that long-range missiles were exchanged from distances exceeding 100 miles, with neither side breaching the other's airspace. The source noted it was due to a 2019 incident where an Indian pilot was shot down and publicly showcased in Pakistan, which heightened tensions for both nations.

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials claim their forces shot down five Indian aircraft during the confrontation, though no physical evidence has been presented, and the claims remain unverified by international media. India has not officially responded but has previously accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation.

 

[SaparotRob]

I saw a clip, on the Enforcer channel, that displayed a tail section from a claimed downed Indian Rafale. The tail number, BS 001, matched the number of the first one delivered. An easy id for me to remember.

 

[MIflyer]

I think it interesting that India is fighting using its recently acquired F-16's, an aircraft that first flew almost 50 years ago. Meanwhile, the Mig-21's they used to be so proud of are now objects of fear in their air force.

 

[GTX]

I think it interesting that India is fighting using its recently acquired F-16's,

Errr...excuse me??? What F-16s???

 

[z42]

Is it really a "dogfight" if it's a BVR missile lobbing contest?

 

[MIflyer]

I read that they reported an Indian F-16 shot down. India had been considering acquiring F-16's, with at least some to be built in Greenville SC.

 

[MIflyer]

Is it really a "dogfight" if it's a BVR missile lobbing contest?

There was an actual concept from around 1972 that used a C-5 fitted with a large number of AIM-47 missiles. The AIM-47 was sort of an early AIM-54 Phoenix and was proposed to arm the F-12A. The AIM-47 had a 100 miles range and the "FC-5" would fire barrages of them from long range. I guess the FC-5 would have a suitable radar, and it sure did have the room for it. I'd guess they would use that big "airliner" section aft of the wing and above the cargo compartment for the firing room.

But it sure sounds more like a job for the IM-99 BOMARC to me.

 

[GTX]

I read that they reported an Indian F-16 shot down. India had been considering acquiring F-16's, with at least some to be built in Greenville SC.

Such reports would be erroneous as India does not have nor has ordered any F-16s.

 

[MIflyer]

Did some checking and it was a Paki F-16 shot down by Indian SAM.

 

[Barrett]

It appears that neither side left its own airspace but did long range air-to-air missile duels.

More than 125 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets reportedly engaged in a dogfight lasting more than an hour in the early hours of Wednesday, according to an unnamed Pakistani security source cited by CNN.

If confirmed, it would mark one of the largest aerial battles since World War II.

The alleged operation, referred to as "Operation Sindhoor," is said to have taken place entirely within the airspace of both countries. CNN reports that long-range missiles were exchanged from distances exceeding 100 miles, with neither side breaching the other's airspace. The source noted it was due to a 2019 incident where an Indian pilot was shot down and publicly showcased in Pakistan, which heightened tensions for both nations.

Meanwhile, Pakistani officials claim their forces shot down five Indian aircraft during the confrontation, though no physical evidence has been presented, and the claims remain unverified by international media. India has not officially responded but has previously accused Pakistan of spreading misinformation.

There can be no such thing as a 125-plane dogfight!
At least in context of the 400 members I dealt with when secretary of the American Fighter Aces Assn.
DOGFIGHT requires maneuvering for position advantage in a single cube of airspace. At least that's been the historic definition for more than a century. Shooting long-range missiles at one another does not
repeat not
qualify as a Dogfight
regardless of how many missile launch "platforms" might be involved.

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

There can be no such thing as a 125-plane dogfight!
At least in context of the 400 members I dealt with when secretary of the American Fighter Aces Assn.
DOGFIGHT requires maneuvering for position advantage in a single cube of airspace. At least that's been the historic definition for more than a century. Shooting long-range missiles at one another does not
repeat not
qualify as a Dogfight
regardless of how many missile launch "platforms" might be involved.

I think most here understand that by now.

 

[Delft]

I think it interesting that India is fighting using its recently acquired F-16's, an aircraft that first flew almost 50 years ago. Meanwhile, the Mig-21's they used to be so proud of are now objects of fear in their air force.

India doesnt operate F-16s ....

 

[MIflyer]

India doesnt operate F-16s ....

Yeah, we found that out a week ago. It was a Paki F-16 shot down by India

 

[Sabrejet]

Can we use "Pakistan AF" please? In many locales, the term "Pa**" is highly offensive.