Understanding Dogfight: The Case Study of Pakistan-India Aerial Clash 2025
Dogfighting, the art of close-range aerial combat between fighter aircraft, has been one of the most dramatic and technically challenging aspects of air warfare since the dawn of military aviation. It all began during World War I, a time when aviation was still in its infancy. Initially, aircraft were used for reconnaissance, and pilots from opposing sides would sometimes engage each other using pistols or rifles. However, with the introduction of machine guns mounted on aircraft by 1915, true dogfights emerged over the trenches of Europe. This marked the beginning of a new phase in air combat, one that would evolve significantly in the years to come.
As aircraft design progressed, dogfighting became an essential aspect of aerial combat. Notable figures like the German “Red Baron” Manfred von Richthofen rose to fame for their aerial prowess during World War I, flying aircraft like the Sopwith Camel and the Fokker Dr.I. By the time World War II arrived, dogfighting had matured into a refined combat science, with aircraft such as the Supermarine Spitfire and Messerschmitt Bf 109 engaging in countless duels across Europe and the Pacific. This phase of aerial combat saw increasing sophistication, with fighter aircraft designed for agility and speed, optimizing their performance for dogfights.
Moving into the era of jet-powered aircraft, the Korean War introduced the F-86 Sabre and the MiG-15, both of which engaged in high-speed dogfights. These early jets were far more capable than their propeller-driven predecessors, making dogfights faster and more complex. However, with the advent of heat-seeking missiles and radar-guided systems during the Vietnam War, the role of traditional dogfighting began to evolve. Yet, even as technology advanced, dogfights continued to take place when missile engagements failed or when surprise encounters unfolded in close quarters.
In modern times, beyond-visual-range (BVR) missiles and advanced radar systems have taken the lead in most aerial combat situations. Nonetheless, the art of dogfighting has not been lost. Fighter jets like the F-16, F-35, Su-35, and J-10C still rely on a pilot’s ability to engage in dogfights when the conditions demand it. The need for agility, precision, and quick decision-making has not diminished, despite the ever-evolving technology.
At the heart of dogfighting lies the concept of energy management, which is critical for maintaining a competitive edge in battle. A fighter aircraft with more energy—whether in the form of speed or altitude—can dictate the flow of combat. Pilots must carefully manage their energy, balancing altitude, speed, and maneuverability to gain the upper hand. It is this mastery of energy that separates the skilled pilot from the novice, enabling them to maneuver their aircraft through intense high-speed turns and sudden reversals.
Several aerial maneuvers have become staples of dogfighting, each serving a specific purpose in gaining a tactical advantage. For instance, the Immelmann turn involves a half-loop followed by a half-roll to quickly reverse direction and gain altitude. In contrast, the Split-S maneuver, the inverse of the Immelmann, allows a pilot to disengage or dive with increased speed. Another critical maneuver is the barrel roll, often used defensively to avoid an overshooting enemy by spiraling the aircraft while maintaining control. These maneuvers are part of a repertoire of tactics that pilots use to outmaneuver their adversaries, forcing them into vulnerable positions.
Furthermore, dogfighting is not just about offensive maneuvers. Defensive techniques like the high and low Yo-Yo maneuvers allow pilots to manage their energy, tighten their turns, and gain better positioning for an attack. Additionally, pursuit tactics like lag pursuit, pure pursuit, and lead pursuit are all used in different scenarios to either maintain or break a lock on an enemy. These maneuvers are essential in a dogfight, as they allow the pilot to either maintain an advantageous position or escape from a disadvantageous one.
Even as technology has shifted the nature of aerial combat, the history of dogfighting still looms large in the collective memory of military aviation. Iconic battles from the early days of World War I, such as the duels between the Red Baron and Allied pilots, have become legendary. Similarly, World War II’s Battle of Britain saw British Spitfires take on German Messerschmitts in fierce aerial combat. The Korean War’s MiG Alley witnessed heated clashes between American F-86 Sabres and Soviet-built MiG-15s, while the Vietnam War added more complexity with the F-4 Phantom and MiG-21s. These historic engagements not only showcased the evolution of aerial combat but also highlighted the bravery and skill required in dogfighting.
In a more recent and significant event, during an aerial encounter between Pakistan and India on May 7, 2025, Pakistani J-10CE aircraft were engaged in a dogfight and successfully shot down five Indian Air Force jets. The Pakistani jets reportedly downed three Rafale fighter jets, one MiG-29, and one Su-30. While Pakistan could have shot down more aircraft, the country showed considerable restraint. This engagement was officially confirmed by DG ISPR Lt Gen Ahmed Sharif, who briefed the media, acknowledging the successful downing of the five Indian jets. This event demonstrates that, even in the modern age of advanced technology, close-range aerial combat remains an important part of air warfare.
In conclusion, dogfighting is more than just a historical relic; it remains an essential part of air combat training and a demonstration of pilot skills. Although technology continues to shape the future of warfare, the fundamentals of dogfighting—energy management, maneuvering, and the strategic use of aerial tactics—will always be at the core of what it means to engage in a high-stakes aerial duel. From the early days of propeller-driven aircraft to the high-speed dogfights of modern jets, the spirit of dogfighting continues to captivate both pilots and aviation enthusiasts alike.
The author is the founder of The Spine Times. His areas of interest include terrorism, erstwhile FATA, China, and global politics.
