In an unusual display of honesty, Pakistan’s Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Aurangzeb Ahmed, the Director General of Public Relations for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), commended the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) Rafale fighter jet during a recent press briefing. Ironically, he made this praise while asserting that the PAF had shot down three IAF Rafales.
His comments came amid the recent India-Pakistan conflict, where both nations engaged in psychological warfare, often minimizing each other's strengths and capabilities. During the media interaction, AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed stated, “It’s not that Rafale is a bad plane. Rafale is an equally potent… a very potent aircraft… if employed well.”
While his comments subtly criticized the skills and training of Indian fighter pilots, they also conveyed an unspoken admiration for the effectiveness of the French-made Rafale fighter jets. This was noteworthy, as it is uncommon to commend the capabilities of an adversary's frontline fighter jets during active hostilities. The Rafale is the Indian Air Force's most advanced aircraft, with New Delhi having acquired 36 units from France in a government-to-government agreement in 2016. The timing of his remarks was particularly intriguing; AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed praised the Rafale while Islamabad was asserting that it had downed six Indian fighter jets, including three Rafales, on the night of May 6.
In the wake of these allegations, Dassault Aviation's stock plummeted, and numerous defense experts began to doubt the previously unassailable reputation of the Rafale fighter jets. In such a climate, it would have been simple for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) to criticize the Rafale and its capabilities. However, in a surprising turn of events, AVM Aurangzeb Ahmed chose to commend the Rafale fighter jets, defying the prevailing narrative and expectations from the PAF. This raises the question: why did the PAF opt to praise the Rafales?
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Why Did the PAF Commend Rafale Fighter Jets?
The French-made Rafale fighter jets are not only in service with Pakistan's rival, India, but are also utilized by several countries that maintain friendly relations with Pakistan.
For instance, Qatar operates 36 Rafale fighter jets, having initially ordered 24 in 2015 and later adding 12 more to its fleet.
Similarly, Egypt, a fellow Muslim nation and member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) like Pakistan, has 54 Rafale fighter jets. Egypt placed its first order for 24 Rafales in 2015 and followed up with an additional order of 30 in 2021.
Additionally, the UAE, another OIC member and home to a significant Pakistani expatriate community, ordered 80 Rafale fighters in 2021.
Indonesia, home to the largest Muslim population in the world, is poised to receive Rafale fighter jets from France. French President Emmanuel Macron is currently in Indonesia to finalize significant agreements, including the sale of Dassault aircraft.
Pakistan maintains amicable relations with these Islamic nations, and any public criticism of the Rafale jets could be seen as a veiled critique of their air capabilities.
Defense Agreements with France
Moreover, Pakistan has likely been cautious not to offend the French defense industry, given the longstanding defense ties between Paris and Islamabad. France has provided Pakistan with various military assets, including Mirage III fighter-bombers, Mirage V aircraft, Daphne-class submarines, helicopters, Atlantique naval aircraft, Exocet anti-ship missiles, and numerous other platforms.
In recent years, the defense relationship between France and India has significantly strengthened, largely due to the Rafale deal. Meanwhile, Islamabad is keen to foster a strong partnership with Paris and may be exploring defense agreements with France, according to various reports.
As noted by Resonant News in March, "Pakistan’s naval capabilities are poised for a major enhancement with the acquisition of French technology. The PNS Hunain and PNS Yamama will be outfitted with the MBDA Albatros NG surface-to-air defense system and Thales NS110 surveillance radars."
It is important to highlight that, due to the robust strategic alliance between New Delhi and Paris, France has a policy against directly exporting military equipment to Pakistan. To navigate these restrictions, French defense companies are leveraging their global networks to provide military technology to Pakistan.
Given the current trajectory of the defense relationship between Islamabad and Paris, Pakistan is cautious about directly criticizing French defense platforms, particularly the Rafale, which has excelled in French defense exports over the past decade.
Military Exercises Involving Rafales
Pakistan has notably participated in military exercises featuring Rafale fighter jets on several occasions. During the 'Victory Spear 2025' drills in Saudi Arabia, Pakistan's JF-17 Block 3 jet operated alongside Saudi Arabia's F-15, EF-2000, and Tornado aircraft, as well as French Rafales and American F-16s. Additionally, the Pakistani JF-17 "Thunder" trained against French Rafales during the 'Victory Spear 2024' exercises.
In June 2021, Pakistani JF-17s took part in the multinational “Anatolian Eagle” exercise, alongside Turkish F-16s, Qatar’s Rafale, and Azerbaijan’s MiG-29 and Su-25 “Frogfoot.”
Subsequent media reports indicated that during the exercise, the JF-17s achieved a kill ratio of 6:2 against the Rafale jets, meaning the JF-17 Block II aircraft successfully shot down six Rafales while suffering only two losses in simulated air combat.
These multinational drills offered the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) a valuable opportunity to train against Rafale fighter jets. Concluding in February 2025, just three months prior to the India-Pakistan air clash, the exercises may have provided the PAF with critical insights into the capabilities of the Rafale.
Last month, India placed an order for 26 Rafale-Marine jets. There is speculation that India may follow up with a significant order for Rafale fighter jets if France agrees to a full transfer of technology. If this occurs, the Rafale jets could become the backbone of the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the next decade, unless India decides to invest in domestic aircraft or foreign fifth-generation fighters.
This may explain why, despite mocking Indian fighter pilots and their training, Pakistan is refraining from directly criticizing the Rafale jets. In fact, Pakistan has even acknowledged the capabilities of the Rafale.
