In a rapid escalation of military tensions, India and Pakistan engaged in intense aerial combat following the recent Pahalgam terror attack that claimed 26 lives. This conflict, dubbed "Operation Sindoor," has seen both nations exchanging fire and conducting precision airstrikes on each other's military installations.
On May 10, 2025, Indian Armed Forces launched coordinated airstrikes targeting eight key Pakistani military sites, including Rafiqui, Murid, Nur Khan, Rahim Yar Khan, Sukkur, and Chunian. These strikes were executed using advanced air-launched munitions, including the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, reportedly for the first time in combat. The operation aimed to neutralize Pakistan's aerial capabilities and send a strong message about India's military readiness.
Wing Commander Vyomika Singh stated, "In a swift and calibrated response, Indian Armed Forces carried out precision attacks only on identified military targets. These included technical infrastructure, command and control centres, radar sites, and weapon storage areas." The strikes were a direct response to Pakistan's aggressive actions, including missile and drone attacks on Indian military bases across the International Border (IB) and Line of Control (LoC).
Pakistan's military had launched missiles and aerial drones at 26 locations late on May 9, prompting India's retaliatory strikes. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the airstrikes were a necessary response to Pakistan's coordinated attacks on Indian installations.
Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force (IAF) inflicted extensive damage on Pakistani airbases, particularly at Nur Khan, which serves as a critical hub for Pakistan's Air Mobility Command. Other significant targets included Murid, known for hosting drone operations, and Rafiqui, which is home to advanced fighter squadrons.
Despite the airstrikes, the conflict has not been without its challenges for India. Pakistan has claimed that it shot down five Indian aircraft, including two Rafales and one Su-30, though this has not been officially confirmed by India. The Indian military's response has been characterized as precise, aiming to minimize collateral damage while effectively countering the threats posed by Pakistan.
However, the ceasefire announced shortly after the airstrikes was quickly violated, with reports of heavy artillery fire and drone sightings along the LoC. Commodore Raghu R. Nair remarked, "Every misadventure by Pakistan has been met with strength, and every future escalation will invite a decisive response." This highlights the precarious nature of the ceasefire, with both sides remaining on high alert.
As the situation unfolds, the Indian military has reiterated its commitment to non-escalation, provided it is reciprocated by Pakistan. However, the recent escalation and the extensive damage inflicted on Pakistani military infrastructure suggest that tensions are far from resolved.
In the wake of these developments, experts are questioning the effectiveness of India's Rafale aircraft, which were once touted as game-changers in aerial combat. Critics argue that the high-cost Rafales, priced at $250 million each, have proven vulnerable in the face of advanced Pakistani missile systems. Captain Jawahar Bhagwat, a former commander, noted that the Rafale was unaware of its targeting until it was too late, stating, "The Rafale didn’t even know it was targeted until the missile was 50 km away. At that speed, the Indian pilot had 9 seconds. Not enough to react. Not enough to survive."
This conflict has also raised concerns about the long-term implications for both nations. With the IAF reportedly flying 300 km behind its borders due to the threat posed by Pakistani radars, questions arise about India's aerial strategy and the effectiveness of its current fleet. As the Indian Air Force grapples with these challenges, the government faces pressure to reconsider its reliance on expensive imported aircraft like the Rafale.
As the dust settles on the recent airstrikes, the damage to Pakistan's airbases and military infrastructure has been significant. Reports indicate that around ten airbases have been hit, including crucial sites like Skardu, Sargodha, Jacobabad, and Bholari. The extensive damage has left Pakistan's military capabilities severely compromised, with analysts suggesting that the morale of its forces has also taken a hit.
In the aftermath of these strikes, the international community watches closely, with U.S. President Donald Trump announcing a ceasefire in an effort to de-escalate tensions. However, the reality on the ground suggests that both nations remain poised for further conflict, with military exchanges continuing despite the ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict underscores the fragile nature of peace in the region, with both countries maintaining a high state of operational readiness. As tensions simmer, the potential for further escalations remains a pressing concern for both India and Pakistan, leaving the door open for future confrontations.
Ultimately, the outcome of this conflict will hinge on the actions of both governments and their willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue. As the situation evolves, it is clear that the stakes are high, and the consequences of miscalculation could have far-reaching implications for regional stability.
