Multiple media outlets report that Pakistan admitted to gaining a clear advantage in the standoff with four Indian Air Force Rafale aircraft late at night. It was not only the PL-15 missile but also the emergency landing of the Rafale aircraft. The Pakistani side claimed that although no missiles were fired, no shots were exchanged, and no aircraft were shot down during the air combat standoff, it demonstrated significant capability, and this time Pakistan achieved a complete victory in the air combat standoff. [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-axegupay5k/34d4ae46ac5e495c86ca96bf153144f3~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1747045970&x-signature=dB%2F1pgTOoO4C6eRW%2BCA83JniM%2Fw%3D] Firstly, this was thanks to the PL-15 long-range missile. Whether it was its dual-thrust rocket engine, active radar, or bi-directional data link, all played a major role in targeting objectives. At the same time, Pakistan highly praised the electronic warfare capabilities of the J-10C. [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-6w9my0ksvp/9de71436f1304f8884e32e407fff2aa3~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1747045970&x-signature=Bz7vXquL3vV%2BU7zRc%2FkHzKwkF%2FY%3D] Currently, when evaluating how strong an aircraft is, we traditionally look at factors like speed, flight altitude, external payload capacity, and weapon systems. However, now we are seeing that soft capabilities are gradually becoming the golden standard. Especially today, as new missile technology approaches physical limits, there will come a day when the range and power of these missiles reach the same standard, but electronic warfare soft capabilities have no bounds. Particularly through the development of current electronic warfare information, aircraft are transitioning from being "firepower fists" to "comprehensive fists." Therefore, under equal hard capabilities, the development and changes in soft capabilities and their deepening exploration also play a crucial role. [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-6w9my0ksvp/6b98d5636d954651ae6ac7ca966d2a0a~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1747045970&x-signature=e5t6CklGhjD3izDw982K6n0HMGw%3D] Thus, over the years, the various aircraft displayed at the Zhuhai Airshow, including various aerial platforms and weapon loadouts, you see more of the missile system layout, but what's more important are the various electronic warfare pods. Although these pods may seem unimpressive, they can play a critical role in air combat. Take the electronic warfare version of the J-16 fighter jet as an example; we clearly saw it at the exhibition site. In addition to carrying long-range missiles under the fuselage, the pods under its wings and wingtip pods have very special shapes. This is the electronic warfare capability currently required for air combat. [Image: https://p3-sign.toutiaoimg.com/tos-cn-i-6w9my0ksvp/65802dd081f34610848b8f3efb5521b2~tplv-tt-origin-web:gif.jpeg?_iz=58558&from=article.pc_detail&lk3s=953192f4&x-expires=1747045970&x-signature=ztmCuNTU71kkPZ5omSV9fnnmiL8%3D] If such electronic warfare aircraft-specific pods are combined with our regular aircraft, this leap in capability will have significant development. That is, the core capability of aircraft is shifting from firepower to information power. Therefore, Pakistan's approval of Chinese aircraft and its high praise for the enhanced electronic warfare capabilities of Chinese aircraft indicate that in air combat, the previous hard standards and physical standards we established are transitioning to electronic warfare soft standards. Thus, Chinese aircraft are playing an increasingly important role in Pakistan's significant victories, which explains why Pakistan's defense minister and senior air force officials highly admire the electronic warfare capabilities of the J-10C, indicating that we are approaching world-class levels in this aspect. Original Source: [https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500895653036360202/](https://www.toutiao.com/article/7500895653036360202/) Disclaimer: The article reflects the views of the author alone. Please express your opinions by using the "thumbs up/thumbs down" buttons below.