By:- B.T Team

Image Credit:- Google

Taiwan on Edge

– Context: After India’s ‘Operation Sindoor’ on May 7, 2025, Pakistan claimed to have downed multiple Indian jets, including Rafales, with Chinese J-10C fighter jets. – Impact: Taiwan, which faces a potential Chinese invasion, is on high alert.

Taiwan on Edge

– Claims: Pakistan alleges it shot down five Indian aircraft, including the Rafale. – Confirmation: French and U.S. officials confirmed the loss of at least one Indian Rafale, heightening tensions.

The Rafale Shootdown

– China's Advantage: Chinese military experts argue that Chinese jets like the J-10C and advanced PL-15 missiles hold a significant edge over Indian Rafales. – Strategic Impact: This shift in military technology has implications for Taiwan’s defense.

China’s Technological Edge

Taiwan’s Growing Concerns

– Rattled by Losses: Taiwanese analysts are concerned about the effectiveness of their Mirage 2000 fleet against China's advanced J-10C and J-20 jets. – China’s Rising Threat: As China modernizes its air force, Taiwan worries about its ability to defend itself.

Expert Opinions on Taiwan’s Vulnerability

– Taiwanese Military Views: Experts fear that Taiwan’s Mirage 2000 is outclassed by China’s J-10C and J-20, both of which are highly advanced. – Chinese Propaganda: Chinese bloggers mock Taiwan’s reliance on outdated jets, calling it a disadvantage in a potential conflict.

Mirage 2000 vs J-10C

– Taiwan’s Fleet: The Mirage 2000-5, Taiwan’s primary fighter, is aging and lacks the capabilities to counter China’s modern air force. – Taiwan’s Concerns: Taiwan fears that in a cross-strait conflict, its older fleet won’t survive against China’s advanced fighters.

Taiwan's Mirage 2000-5 Issues

– High Maintenance: The Mirage 2000-5 is 25 years old, with high operational costs and limited capabilities. – Limitations: Taiwan struggles with integration issues and lacks modern systems like those found in China’s jets.

The Need for Modernization

– F-16 Vipers: Taiwan has begun acquiring 66 F-16 Vipers, which offer a better chance of countering China’s J-10C. – Still Outmatched?: While the F-16V could rival the J-10C, it is unlikely to compete with the J-20 stealth fighter.

Taiwan’s Aging Fleet

– Challenges: Taiwan is aware that its Mirage 2000 fleet can’t compete with the latest Chinese technology and faces operational challenges. – Ongoing Upgrades: Taiwan continues to invest in upgrades, but the long-term effectiveness of its current fleet is uncertain.

The Wake-Up Call

– A Stark Reminder: The possibility of J-10C jets downing Rafales is a wake-up call for Taiwan. – Urgent Reassessment: Taiwan must reassess its defense strategy and be prepared for China’s evolving military capabilities.

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