A dogfight is a fight in the sky between fighter planes. It usually happens at close range, with pilots flying fast and making sharp moves to defeat the other plane. In this scenario, as the India-Pakistan conflict escalated into a war-like situation before the ceasefire call, Pakistan’s fighter jets were intercepted by the Indian armed forces.
However, global media, citing Pakistani security sources, reported that 125 Indian and Pakistani fighter jets were involved in an aerial battle lasting over an hour. While this was not confirmed by the Indian Armed Forces, the global media continued to report the statement without verifying it with the Indian government. So, what exactly is a “dogfight,” and what does it refer to?
Dog Fight
A dogfight is termed when fighter jets fight each other in the sky at a very close range. During this fight, the pilots try to outfly and outsmart their enemies using sharp turns, dives, and sudden moves. The word “dogfight” came from the way fighter jets twist and turn in the sky, just like two dogs chasing and snapping at each other in a real fight. From the ground, it looks wild and intense. These battles are fast, risky, and all about skill. The pilots have to make split-second moves, trying to outfly each other. Each one wants to get behind the other plane- that’s the best spot to take a clean shot. In the end, it’s not just about the machine, but about how sharp and experienced the person flying it is.
Was This Specifically Named For India-Pakistan Jet Fights?
No, it isn’t! The term originated during World War I, evoking the image of dogs circling and snapping at each other in a frantic struggle. Since then, whenever there is a fight between the fighter jets, the media has termed it as a ‘dog fight’. During the India-Pakistan conflict this month, international media like CNN, Newsweek, and The Sun called it a “dogfight,” which is exactly different from the traditional, old-style dogfights. Here’s how..
This was a Beyond Visual Range (BVR) fight. It is called BVR because the jets did not fly close to each other during the entire conflict. When Pakistani fighter jets launched attacks on India, we intercepted and destroyed them in the air. Both sides remained more than 100 miles (160 km) apart and used long-range missiles. While both countries stayed within their own borders, some Pakistani jets did enter Indian airspace and were shot down by Indian forces. India did not enter Pakistani airspace after the Pahalgam avenge operation, codenamed “Sindoor.” Reports suggest that India remained in a defensive position when Pakistan began heavy shelling and sent fighter jets towards Indian territory. Even the Indian Armed Forces have not confirmed a close-quarters jet battle.
A “dogfight” refers to close-range combat between fighter jets. However, in today’s era of advanced radar, sensors, and missiles, jets can now engage in battle from far away, without even seeing the enemy.
