According to Group Captain Amit Gehani, the Commanding Officer of the Indian Air Force's (IAF) No. 17 "Golden Arrows" Squadron, India's Rafale jets can confidently defeat Pakistan's current J-10C fleet and their anticipated J-35 stealth fighters.
The Golden Arrows serve as the premier IAF unit responsible for operating these advanced French-made aircraft.
During an interview with Vayu Aerospace Magazine, Group Captain Gehani discussed the impressive success of the Rafale jets throughout the recent Operation Sindoor in May 2025.
He confirmed that the aircraft accomplished every mission objective without fail.
Such a strong public statement from a serving squadron commander is a major testament to the jet's battle readiness.
Notably, Group Captain Gehani and his squadron recently received a prestigious Unit Citation on Air Force Day, recognising their successful precision strikes against terrorist infrastructure during the operation.
When addressing the evolving security challenges in the region, the commander made it clear that the Rafale is well-prepared to outmatch Chinese-origin fighters like the J-10 and the J-35.
He urged the public to have absolute faith in the aircraft's combat power, reflecting the immense trust the military places in its premier fighter jet.
These reassurances arrive at a crucial time as experts evaluate the shifting military dynamics in South Asia.
Currently, the Pakistan Air Force fields the J-10C, a 4.5-generation aircraft sourced from China that features modern radar systems and long-range missiles.
Furthermore, analysts predict that Pakistan will seek to procure the J-35, a new Chinese fifth-generation stealth fighter designed for aircraft carriers and international export.
Even with these regional upgrades, Indian officials maintain that the Rafale holds a distinct advantage due to its cutting-edge electronic warfare tools, superior sensors, and seamless battlefield networking.
The jet is armed with formidable weapons, including the Meteor air-to-air missile and the SCALP cruise missile, which have vastly improved India's ability to control the skies and strike targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Highlighting this success, the Indian government has recently advanced its plans to acquire 114 additional Rafale fighters, aiming to bolster the Air Force's squadron strength while promoting domestic aerospace manufacturing.
Stationed at the Ambala Air Force Station, the No. 17 Squadron was the pioneer group to induct the Rafale into the IAF. They continue to lead the way in developing new combat tactics and managing operational deployments.
Because of this frontline experience, the commanding officer's assessment is seen as a highly credible evaluation of the jet's true capabilities.
The squadron's esteemed reputation was also highlighted when President Droupadi Murmu chose to fly a historic 30-minute Rafale sortie piloted by Group Captain Gehani himself.
The success of the Rafale relies on more than just the aircraft's physical frame; it is driven by an advanced system that fuses data from multiple sensors.
This technology, combined with a powerful electronic warfare suite, allows the jet to function perfectly within a modern, networked battlefield.
Consequently, pilots can spot, track, and destroy enemy threats from far away while remaining fully aware of their surroundings.
Ultimately, Group Captain Gehani's insights will greatly strengthen the confidence of defence experts in the Rafale's position as the primary enforcer of Indian air superiority.
As the nation continues to modernise its military network and acquire advanced weaponry, the Rafale is set to be a crucial pillar of India's national security for many years into the future.
