A more far reaching effect of this confrontation is imo it will be something of a nail biting moment for our american friends as well. Do i not understand correctly that in exercises so far Rafale did well against most US types, especially the teens? If so, and if confirmed, having the Rafale defeated by what is in a way a lower tier chinese fighter, the J-10, would make one think that not only things bode not too well for the US teens vs J-10, but also that it would be much worse facing the higher tier chinese 4th gen fighters, nevermind the chinese 5th gens. And probably the same not too optimistic prospect would face the US 5th gens vs chinese 5th gens. Ditto about any chinese made SAMs killing one or more of the IAF jets lost so far.