Pakistan’s Air Force (PAF) has reportedly utilized a sophisticated data-sharing combat system known as the “ABC” model, short for “locked by A, launched by B, guided by C” to successfully intercept and shoot down five Indian fighter jets, according to a report carried by China Space News.

The report, published by Chinese state defence contractors, outlines how the PAF integrated its radar installations, fighter aircraft, and airborne early warning and control systems (AWACS) into a unified strike network.

Under this model, a ground-based radar station (A) identifies and locks on to an enemy aircraft, a fighter jet (B) at a safe distance launches a missile without needing to detect the target independently, and finally, an AWACS platform (C) guides the missile to its target. This coordination allows for faster and safer engagements with high accuracy.

The article highlights that this “ABC” system reflects a transformation in aerial warfare, moving away from traditional, platform-centric operations to network-enabled, cooperative combat missions.

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China Space News emphasised that “missile success now depends not on the performance of a single platform, but the intelligent cooperation of the entire system,” noting Pakistan’s operations as a clear demonstration of this shift.

This revelation comes amid recent heightened tensions between Pakistan and India, and adds a new layer to understanding how regional military capabilities are evolving, especially with growing Chinese-Pakistani defence collaboration.

The South China Morning Post, which reported the China Space News story, noted that Chinese analysts presented Pakistan’s success as a model for modern joint-force tactics against technologically superior adversaries.