The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is set to honor its elite No. 15 Squadron, known as the “Cobras,” after officially crediting the unit with shooting down six Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft during the intense aerial combat on May 7. Operating from Kamra and flying the advanced J-10C fighters, the Cobras played a central role in one of the largest air battles in South Asian history.

The confrontation began shortly after midnight when a large number of IAF jets appeared on radar. In response, 18 J-10Cs from the Cobras squadron were scrambled to intercept. The PAF reports that the squadron successfully downed three Rafales, one MiG-29, one Mirage-2000, and one Su-30MKI using PL-15 beyond-visual-range missiles.

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The air battle was a defensive response to India’s Operation Sindoor, launched after the Pahalgam attack. PAF’s strategy included advanced electromagnetic warfare and precision coordination, which enabled the Cobras to carry out their mission with effectiveness. Although initially denied by Indian authorities, India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, later confirmed the losses, citing “tactical errors,” which sparked criticism within India.

No. 15 Squadron, established in 1956, has a distinguished history, having seen action in the 1965 and 1971 wars and participating in the 2019 Operation Swift Retort. The squadron’s induction of J-10C jets in 2022 positioned it as Pakistan’s premier air combat unit. The PAF has announced that the pilots involved in the May 7 mission will be formally decorated in a ceremony later this month, praising their professionalism, courage, and operational excellence.